Definition

Verb (informal): To leave or depart very quickly, especially in a hurry to escape or avoid something.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe a rapid, often urgent departure. It is informal and frequently used in American English. The action implies speed and a desire to get away from a location or situation promptly.

Examples

• "When the fire alarm went off, we had to hightail it out of the building."
• "The kids saw the police car and hightailed it down the alley."
• "If the boss comes back early, we'll need to hightail it."

Advanced Usage

• The verb is often followed by an adverb of direction (e.g., ) or a prepositional phrase (e.g., ).
  • We hightailed it home before the storm hit.
  • He hightailed it to the border.

Variants and Related Words

• Hightail (verb): The base form, also meaning to move or travel quickly.
  • They hightailed back to camp.

Synonyms

• Flee: To run away, as from danger or pursuit.
• Take to one's heels: To begin running away.
• Cut and run: To leave a situation quickly to avoid trouble or difficulty.
• Escape: To get free from confinement or danger.
• Run: To move swiftly on foot.
• Bolt: To make a sudden, swift dash or escape.
• Skedaddle (informal): To leave quickly.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Make a run for it: To attempt to escape by running.
  • When the guard looked away, the prisoner decided to make a run for it.
• Get out of Dodge (idiom, informal): To leave a place, especially to avoid trouble.
  • Things are getting too heated here; let's get out of Dodge.

Verb

1. flee; take to one's heels; cut and run
   • If you see this man, run!
   • The burglars escaped before the police showed up