hightail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “hightail” mean?
To move or depart very quickly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move or depart very quickly.
To leave a place hastily, typically to avoid trouble or due to urgency; to flee or rush away.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common and idiomatic in American English. In British English, it would be understood but is considered an Americanism; alternatives like "dash off" or "leg it" are more natural.
Connotations
In AmE, has a rustic, slightly folksy, or adventurous feel. In BrE, it may sound like borrowed slang from American films or cowboy genres.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE informal speech; low frequency in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “hightail” in a Sentence
SUBJ + hightail (it) + ADV/PREP (e.g., out of there, home)SUBJ + hightail + to + PLACEVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hightail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- When the storm hit, we decided to hightail it back to the cottage.
- He hightailed out of the meeting as soon as his phone buzzed.
American English
- We better hightail it before the cops show up.
- She hightailed to the store before it closed.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no examples)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; no examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no examples)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used jokingly: "When the CEO showed up, we hightailed it back to our desks."
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in AmE informal narratives about leaving quickly.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hightail”
- Using it without 'it' in the common phrase (e.g., 'We hightailed' is less common than 'We hightailed it').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling as 'hightale'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but the phrase 'hightail it' is by far the most common collocation. Using it alone (e.g., 'they hightailed home') is acceptable but less frequent.
It is understood but marks the speaker as using an American idiom. Native British speakers would more naturally use 'dash off', 'leg it', or 'make a quick getaway'.
It originates from American English in the late 19th/early 20th century, referring to the way animals like deer or rabbits raise ('high') their tails when fleeing at high speed.
No, it is informal and lively but not offensive. It is suitable for casual conversation and storytelling.
To move or depart very quickly.
Hightail is usually informal in register.
Hightail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪteɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌteɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hightail it out of here”
- “hightail it for the hills”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HIGH TAIL (like a deer's tail held high) as the animal sprints away—see the tail, think 'fast escape'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESCAPE/URGENT DEPARTURE IS THE FLIGHT OF AN ANIMAL (with tail raised).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hightail' be MOST appropriate?