The dog turned tail and ran when it saw the cat.
turn tail
idiomTo turn away from someone or something, in preparation for running away; to reverse direction; to leave or flee.
When the angry crowd started shouting, the coward turned tail and fled the scene immediately.
Realizing that his argument had no merit and his support was fading, the politician turned tail and retreated from the debate stage before the final vote.
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Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
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chase one's tail
To busily try to perform many tasks or to repeatedly revise one's plans, especially with inefficient use of one's time and limited results.
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chase tail
To be on the hunt for a (usually sexual) partner.
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everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
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everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
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good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
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grow a tail
to be nearly about to defecate, to the point of being unable to completely hold it in
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have a tiger by the tail
To be in a difficult or dangerous situation in which one ideally should not remain, but from which one cannot withdraw.
Last updated April 17, 2026