🌀 Turning Tail: The Historic Art of Turning One’s Back 🚪
Ah, to “turn one’s back on” something! Whether in moments of fear, indifference, or outright rebellion, this phrase has been around since the sixteenth century. Robert Greene immortalized the idiom’s chilling imagery with his line, “Such a haggarde as would turne taile to a full fist” in Euphues His Censure (1587).
Synonyms & Similar Expressions:
- Flee
- Run away
- Beat a hasty retreat
- Show a clean pair of heels
- Skedaddle
- Fly the coop
Related Proverbs & Sayings:
- “He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.”
- “To run away is not glorious, but it is sometimes preferable to staying.”
Related Clichés & Common Phrases:
- “Tail between your legs”
- “Getting out of Dodge”
- “Taking French leave”
- “One foot out the door”
Literary Reference:
- The Iliad by Homer - Hector’s retreat from Achilles encompasses valor and the decision to turn back.
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - The various strategic retreats in the battle scenes.
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy - Numerous moments of strategic withdrawal.
Movie References:
- Brave Sir Robin (“Monty Python and the Holy Grail”) - The epitome of “brave, brave, brave Sir Robin” who heroically runs away. 😂
- The Lord of the Rings: Various retreats and strategic withdrawals showcased in epic battles. 💍🔙
Songs:
- “Runaway” by Bon Jovi 🎵
- “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls 🎶
Quiz Time! 📚🎉
### Which of these expressions means to retreat quickly?
- [x] Show a clean pair of heels
- [ ] Put one's nose to the grindstone
- [ ] Break the ice
- [ ] Bark up the wrong tree
> **Explanation:** "Show a clean pair of heels” means to run away rapidly, just like displaying the bottom of your shoes to your chaser.
### What do you imply if someone "takes French leave"?
- [ ] They pack up and become a chef
- [x] They leave without permission or informing anyone.
- [ ] They write a novel in French
- [ ] They attend a wine tasting event
> **Explanation:** "Taking French leave" is leaving a gathering or duty without formally taking leave, aka vanishing!
### True or False: "Skedaddle" is a term meaning to run away.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Correct! “Skedaddle” is indeed an informal term meaning to run away quickly.
### If someone says they "beat a hasty retreat," are they:
- [ ] Dancing slowly
- [ ] Cooking something fast
- [x] Running away swiftly
- [ ] Painting hastily
> **Explanation:** “Beat a hasty retreat” means to leave a place quickly, especially in order to avoid troubles.
### Identify the idiom: "Fly the coop."
- [ ] Paint a house
- [ ] Climb a tree
- [x] Escape or leave a place
- [ ] Feed the birds
> **Explanation:** “Fly the coop” means to escape or leave a place, similar to how a bird escapes its cage or coop.
Dive into these expressions the next time you feel like creatively telling someone to “turn tail” or “skedaddle”! Until then, remember the words of the whimsical philosopher:
“Bravery is not always measured by those who face their fears, but also by those who know when it’s time to turn tail.”
Until next time,
W. T. Wittywords
October 2023
