ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take cover

idiom
Meaning

To shelter oneself.


Examples
SIMPLE

The rain started, so we had to take cover.

CONTEXTUAL

When the storm sirens began to wail, the residents were instructed to take cover in their basements.

COMPLEX

As the artillery fire intensified across the valley, the soldiers were forced to take cover behind the crumbling stone walls of the abandoned farmhouse.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    blow someone's cover

    To reveal that someone's behavior, situation, or identity has been fabricated or deliberately misrepresented for an ulterior motive.

  3. 03

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  4. 04

    cover one's bases

    To be thorough; to prepare thoroughly or completely.

  5. 05

    cover someone's ass

    To make preparations or take precautions to ensure that a person is not blamed or punished for his or her conduct.

  6. 06

    cover up

    To conceal or disguise.

  7. 07

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  8. 08

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

Last updated April 17, 2026