TURN TAIL in a Sentence Examples: 21 Ways to Use Turn Tail

Have you ever heard the phrase “turn tail” and wondered what it means? Essentially, when someone decides to turn tail, they are choosing to retreat or flee from a challenging situation to avoid confrontation or danger.

This phrase, with its origins rooted in animal behavior, is often used figuratively to describe a person’s retreat from a difficult or uncomfortable circumstance. Turning tail can signify a strategic withdrawal or a response to fear or discomfort, illustrating a decision to remove oneself from a particular situation.

7 Examples Of Turn Tail Used In a Sentence For Kids

• The dog was scared and turned tail quickly.
• When the cat saw the big dog, it decided to turn tail and run away.
• The squirrel heard a loud noise and decided to turn tail and hide.
• The bunny saw a snake and quickly turned tail to find safety.
• The bird saw a hawk flying above and immediately decided to turn tail and fly away.
• The butterfly sensed danger and chose to turn tail and flutter away.
• The mouse spotted a cat and knew it had to turn tail and find a safe place.

14 Sentences with Turn Tail Examples

1. An unexpected test result caused the student to turn tail and run out of the classroom in shock.
2. The intimidating professor’s stern glare made the student turn tail and hurriedly pack up their belongings.
3. A heated debate during a group project made one member turn tail and storm out of the room.
4. The prospect of facing a strict administrator made the students turn tail and find an alternate route to avoid them.
5. The looming deadline for a major assignment caused the procrastinating student to turn tail and finally start working on it.
6. The daunting task of presenting in front of the class made the shy student turn tail and consider skipping their turn.
7. A sudden downpour forced the group of friends to turn tail and seek shelter indoors during their outing.
8. The loud commotion outside the library made the studious student turn tail and close the windows to block out the noise.
9. The disappointing announcement of canceled classes made the students turn tail and head back to their dorms for an unexpected break.
10. The unexpected arrival of a strict parent made the rebellious student turn tail and quickly clean up their messy room.
11. The crowded and noisy cafeteria made the overwhelmed student turn tail and opt for a quieter place to eat.
12. The rowdy group of students in the common room made the studious ones turn tail and retreat to the library for peace and quiet.
13. The sudden appearance of a snake on campus made the students turn tail and alert the authorities for help.
14. The realization of being late for a crucial exam made the panicked student turn tail and sprint towards the examination hall.

How To Use Turn Tail in Sentences?

Turn Tail is a phrase that means to flee or run away from a situation in a cowardly or hasty manner. When using Turn Tail in a sentence, it is usually to describe someone who is avoiding a difficult or dangerous situation.

Here are some examples of how to use Turn Tail in a sentence:

1. “When the dog saw the bigger dog approaching, it decided to turn tail and run back home.”
2. “Instead of facing the consequences of their actions, the thieves chose to turn tail and escape.”
3. “The team turned tail when they realized they were outnumbered and outmatched in the competition.”

When using Turn Tail in a sentence, it is important to remember the context in which it is being used. The term is often used to describe a moment of fear or cowardice, so it is usually not associated with positive or heroic actions.

By incorporating Turn Tail into a sentence, you can effectively convey the idea of someone fleeing from a difficult or intimidating situation. Whether in writing or conversation, using this phrase can help to add depth and imagery to your message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase “turn tail” is a vivid expression often used to describe someone quickly fleeing or running away from a situation, typically out of fear or cowardice. The imagery of a person abruptly turning and fleeing like an animal in the wild adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the action being described. This phrase is a colorful way to convey the idea of retreat or escape, emphasizing the suddenness and decisiveness of the movement away from a perceived threat.

Whether used in literature, conversation, or everyday language, “turn tail” effectively conveys the notion of fleeing or retreating swiftly. Its directness and vivid imagery make it a powerful phrase that leaves a lasting impression while succinctly capturing the act of running away in a moment of fear or apprehension.