🚶♂️ Hightailed It: The Art of Leaving in a Hurry 🏃♀️
Definition and Origin
To leave in a hurry: This nineteenth-century American colloquialism refers to departing swiftly and suddenly. The phrase was recorded by Thomas Chandler Haliburton (1796–1865) in his “Sam Slick” papers, first published in a Nova Scotia weekly in 1836. The term likely alludes to running away with a heavy tread, gouging tracks in the dirt as one flees.
Similar Terms and Related Phrases
- Bolt: To make an outrageous escape from a situation.
- Cut and run: To depart quickly, especially to avoid danger or trouble.
- Skedaddle: Playful and informal, synonymous with running away hurriedly.
- Vamoose: Derived from the Spanish “vamos,” it means to leave quickly.
- Beat a hasty retreat: Often used in military contexts, conveys urgency.
- Hightail it: To run away rapidly, usually from danger or pursuit.
Synonyms
- Dash
- Scram
- Flee
- Rush
- Scoot
Antonyms
- Lingering
- Dawdle
- Amble
- Saunter
Humorous Quotes
“Who needs enemies when you’ve got friends who can hightail it faster than you!” — Anonymous
Proverbs and Expressions
- “The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” — Sometimes, a quick exit and re-entry can be advantageous.
- “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” — For all your hurry, use a little caution.
- “Haste makes waste.” — Hurrying could lead to mistakes.
Suggested Literature, Poems, and Media
- Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac - The ultimate tale of hopping from one place to another.
- Poem: “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns - For insight on hasty departures.
- Movie: Catch Me If You Can by Steven Spielberg - A thrilling cat-and-mouse chase encapsulated.
- Song: “Runaway” by Bon Jovi - Tunes to fuel your high-speed escape.
### Which of these is a real idiom for leaving quickly?
- [x] Skedaddle
- [ ] Waddle with grace
- [ ] Hover in bliss
- [ ] Moonwalk extravaganza
> **Explanation:** "Skedaddle" is a playful idiom signifying fleeing or running away hastily, ideal for comical flights from casual mishaps!
### Which is not a known phrase for departing in a hurry?
- [ ] Bolt
- [x] Foggy stumbles
- [ ] Hightail it
- [ ] Vamoose
> **Explanation:** "Foggy stumbles" does not exist in idiomatic usage and would likely lead to confusion if not laughs, whereas the others firmly belong in the rapid-exit vernacular.
### Complete the phrase: Cut and ___.
- [ ] Carve
- [x] Run
- [ ] Stay
- [ ] Wander
> **Explanation:** "Cut and run" means to quickly withdraw, especially from a problematic situation.
And now, dear word lover, may your vocabulary always be abundant, your wit sharp, and your hasty exits rooted more in humor than panic.
Until next time, keep dancing with phrases and running off with new wordplay, Casey Quickstep
