take to the woods
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive) To flee or run away, especially to avoid capture or danger. This phrase implies a hurried, often panicked, departure into a natural area for concealment or escape.
Usage and Examples
The phrase "take to the woods" is used to describe the act of escaping by running into a forested or wild area. It often carries a connotation of evading pursuers.
- When the alarm sounded, the poachers had to take to the woods to avoid the park rangers.
- The soldiers were ordered to take to the woods if their position was overrun.
- Seeing the sheriff's posse approaching, the outlaws took to the woods.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe withdrawing from a difficult situation or public scrutiny, though the literal meaning of physical flight is primary.
- After the scandal broke, the politician seemed to take to the woods, avoiding all media contact.
Variants and Related Words
- Take flight: A more general synonym for fleeing.
- Go to ground: To hide, especially for a prolonged period to evade capture.
- Head for the hills: An idiom with a very similar meaning of fleeing to a remote area.
Synonyms
- Flee
- Escape
- Run away
- Abscond
- Bolt
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Cut and run: To leave a situation quickly to avoid trouble.
- Take to one's heels: To start running away.
- Show a clean pair of heels: To run away very fast.
Verb
- flee; take to one's heels; cut and run
- If you see this man, run!
- The burglars escaped before the police showed up