Head for the hills: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Head for the hills” mean?

"Head for the hills" means to run away or escape quickly.

What context can I use the in?

Example

When they heard the sirens, they knew it was time to head for the hills.

Example

The robbers decided to head for the hills when they saw the police approaching.

Example

As soon as the storm hit, everyone in the campground decided to head for the hills

Is “Head for the hills” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Head for the hills” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Head for the hills” effectively in context?

You can use "Head for the Hills" to describe the act of running away or escaping quickly from a dangerous or threatening situation. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to find safety. For example, if you see a storm approaching, you might say, 'We better head for the hills before it gets worse.'

  • 1Natural Disasters

    When they heard the sirens, they knew it was time to head for the hills.

  • 2Criminal Activity

    The robbers decided to head for the hills when they saw the police approaching.

  • 3Dangerous Situations

    As soon as the storm hit, everyone in the campground decided to head for the hills.

Similar phrases to “Head for the hills”:

To flee or escape quickly

Example

When they saw the security guards, they decided to make a run for it.

To leave quickly or suddenly

Example

When the party got too crowded, she decided to take off.

To quickly withdraw from a situation

Example

When they realized they were outnumbered, they beat a hasty retreat.

To narrowly escape a dangerous or difficult situation

Example

He managed to escape by the skin of his teeth before the building collapsed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Head for the hills” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Head for the Hills" is unknown.

Is “Head for the hills” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Head for the Hills" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of fleeing or escaping from a threatening situation.

What tone does “Head for the hills” have?

"Head for the Hills" conveys a tone of urgency and the need for immediate action. It suggests that the situation is dangerous or threatening, and emphasizes the importance of finding safety quickly.

Can “Head for the hills” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Head for the Hills" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe the act of running away or escaping quickly. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When they heard the sirens, they knew it was time to head for the hills.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "head for the hills"!' to imply the need to escape quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • remain
  • stay put
  • face the danger
  • confront the situation

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