turn tailinformalLEAVE YOUR HOME/COUNTRY to run away because you are too frightened to fight or attack 〔因不敢抵抗或攻击而〕逃跑,转身逃走turn tail• If one animal suddenly turns tail, it is liable to be attacked and might get injured.• He caught sight of a few others, but they turned tail and vanished when they saw him through the mist.• She wanted to turn tail and run, but she couldn't have stood herself if she appeared such a coward.
→ turn tail at tail1(4)