What does “Take to your heels” mean?
"Take to your heels" means to run away quickly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When they saw the police approaching, they took to their heels and disappeared into the crowd.
Example
The thief took to his heels as soon as he realized he had been spotted.
Example
The children took to their heels when they heard the sound of thunder
Is “Take to your heels” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take to your heels” 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 “Take to your heels” effectively in context?
You can use "Take to your heels" to describe someone running away quickly in a situation where they feel threatened or in danger. It emphasizes the urgency and speed of their escape. For example, if you witness someone fleeing from a dangerous situation, you might say, 'When they saw the police approaching, they took to their heels and disappeared into the crowd.'
- 1Dangerous Encounter
When they heard the growling of a wild animal, they quickly took to their heels and ran for safety.
- 2Caught in the Act
Realizing he had been caught stealing, the shoplifter took to his heels and tried to escape.
- 3Sudden Fear
As soon as they heard the loud crash, the children took to their heels and ran inside.
Similar phrases to “Take to your heels”:
To run away suddenly and quickly
Example
When the dog started barking, the cat bolted and climbed up a tree.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take to your heels” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take to your heels" is unknown.
Is “Take to your heels” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take to your heels" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone runs away quickly to avoid trouble or danger.
What tone does “Take to your heels” have?
"Take to your heels" conveys a tone of urgency and fear. It suggests a sudden and rapid escape from a threatening situation.
Can “Take to your heels” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Take to your heels" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or family members. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to add emphasis or create a vivid image.
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 saw the police approaching, they took to their heels and disappeared into the crowd.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "take to your heels"!' to imply the need for a quick escape.
