fled for cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fled for cover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone quickly seeking safety or shelter from danger or an impending threat. Example: "When the storm hit, the hikers fled for cover under the nearest tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A lingering sense of tension meant shoppers fled for cover when rowdy fans set off fireworks.

The Guardian

No one was hurt, but hundreds of rescue workers fled for cover.

The New York Times

On 25 April, for example, heavily armed gunmen attacked a group of federal police staying at the Alba Suites hotel, starting a prolonged shoot-out while terrified visitors fled for cover.

The Guardian

A powerful earthquake shuddered through Mexico City Tuesday afternoon, hurling rubble into the streets and damaging buildings in and around the city as thousands of people fled for cover.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

People went about their errands, only to cut them short instantly, turning backs to the gusts and fleeing for cover.

The New York Times

Puzzlement, then anger, which boiled over into scuffles and stone-throwing that sent organisers fleeing for cover.

The Guardian

But the sound of heavy weapons fire in the distance caused a flurry of panic with people hastily shutting up shop and fleeing for cover.

The Guardian

In September 1996, he responded to the KDP's call for help against the PUK and its Iranian allies by sending troops to Arbil, destroying the opposition headquarters there and sending CIA agents fleeing for cover.

The Economist

In the evening, a warplane swooped low and on two separate occasions dropped bombs near a heavily defended rebel checkpoint, striking a car carrying the family and sending rebel fighters fleeing for cover in chaotic scenes.

The New York Times

The police said Friday that they had arrested a man they accused of firing on a busy street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, last week, wounding four teenage boys and sending crowds fleeing for cover.

The New York Times

On Thursday, riot police fired tear gas and stun grenades at anti-government activists in Manama, and on Wednesday, security forces fired stun grenades at protesters who swarmed into a cultural exhibition for the Formula One race, setting off street battles and sending visitors fleeing for cover, The A.P. reported.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fled for cover" to describe a situation where people quickly seek safety from immediate danger, such as during a natural disaster, attack, or other threatening event.

Common error

Avoid using "fled for cover" in scenarios that do not involve immediate danger or a perceived threat. For example, it would be inappropriate to say someone "fled for cover" from a boring meeting; instead, use phrases like "left the meeting early" or "excused themselves".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fled for cover" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of escaping quickly to find safety. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a rapid movement to avoid danger.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fled for cover" is a verb phrase used to describe a rapid escape to a safe location due to imminent danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, most commonly found in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the situation involves immediate danger, such as attacks or natural disasters. Alternatives like "sought refuge" or "ran for safety" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought refuge

Emphasizes the act of seeking a safe place or condition, implying a need for protection.

ran for safety

Highlights the action of running to reach a secure location, focusing on the immediate danger.

took shelter

Focuses on the action of finding a place that offers protection from harm or danger.

retreated to safety

Implies an organized or strategic withdrawal to a safer location.

scrambled for protection

Suggests a hurried and disorganized attempt to find a safe place.

ducked for safety

Describes a quick, downward movement to avoid danger, like gunfire or falling objects.

sought protection

Highlights the act of seeking a protected status or environment.

dove for cover

Implies a rapid, headlong plunge into a safe location.

dashed to safety

Focuses on the quick and urgent movement towards a safe place.

sought haven

Implies seeking a peaceful or secure refuge from danger or distress.

FAQs

What does "fled for cover" mean?

"Fled for cover" means to have run away quickly to find a place of safety or shelter, typically from immediate danger like an attack or natural disaster.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fled for cover"?

It is appropriate to use "fled for cover" when describing situations where people are in immediate danger and need to seek protection quickly, such as during a shooting, explosion, or natural disaster.

What can I say instead of "fled for cover"?

You can use alternatives like "sought refuge", "ran for safety", or "took shelter" depending on the context.

Is "fled for cover" a formal or informal phrase?

"Fled for cover" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially when reporting or describing dangerous situations. It is commonly found in news reports.