Synonyms of turning tail

turning tail

phrase

present participle of turn tail

as in retreating

to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening

You can't go around starting fights and then turning tail when they don't go your way.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• retreating
• flying
• fleeing
• bolting
• running away
• running
• running off
• beating a retreat
• beating it
• making tracks
• bugging out
• escaping
• hightailing (it)
• getting (away)
• breaking
• skipping (out)
• getting out
• making off
• clearing out
• lighting out
• skedaddling
• mizzling
• lamming
• absconding
• skirring
• eloping
• decamping
• scatting
• scramming
• scarpering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facing
• confronting
• daring
• hanging around
• remaining
• defying
• dwelling
• lingering
• braving
• staying
• sticking around
• bearding
• abiding
• tarrying