hightail it

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Thân thiện
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