Head for the hills
Meaning
To quickly escape a dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant situation, often by fleeing to a place of refuge.
Origin
The phrase conjures a vivid image of flight, dating back to times when hills or higher ground offered a strategic advantage or a literal escape route from danger. Whether it was settlers fleeing an impending attack, outlaws evading the law, or communities escaping floods and other natural disasters, retreating to the hills was often the most sensible and immediate path to safety. This literal act of seeking refuge in rugged terrain transformed into a common idiom, capturing the urgency and necessity of removing oneself from an escalating problem or threat. It became a punchy, evocative command, urging a swift departure from any looming trouble.
Examples
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