Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Run for the Hills!

The phrase “run for the hills” is an idiomatic expression meaning: To flee quickly from danger or trouble, often in a panicked or urgent way. It suggests escaping to a safe, remote place—like hills or mountains—away from whatever threat is present.

by Dan J. Harkey

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Run for the Hills!

The phrase “run for the hills” is an idiomatic expression meaning:

  • To flee quickly from danger or trouble, often in a panicked or urgent way.
  • It suggests escaping to a safe, remote place—like hills or mountains—away from whatever threat is present.

Origin

The expression “run for the hills” likely originated from the practical idea that hills or high ground offer safety during floods, battles, or other disasters.  This practicality is the foundation of the idiom’s meaning.

Historically:

  • In times of invasion or natural calamity, people would retreat to the hills for protection.
  • The phrase became figurative in English by the early 20th century, appearing in literature and colloquial speech to mean “get out fast.”

It’s often used humorously or dramatically today, for example:

“When the boss starts talking about budget cuts, everyone runs for the hills.”

Here’s a historical timeline of the idiom “run for the hills” based on documented usage and cultural evolution:

Pre-19th Century (Conceptual Roots)

  • The idea of fleeing to higher ground for safety is ancient.  Hills and mountains were natural refuges during floods, invasions, or disasters.  This practical survival instinct likely inspired the figurative phrase later.

Mid-19th Century (First Recorded Uses)

  • 1857: Appears in Allen’s Indian Mail and Register of Intelligence, describing pirates fleeing:

“…the pirates began to jump overboard and run for the hills…”.

  • 1858: Used in RS Surtees’ fox-hunting novel Ask Mamma

“He’s for the hills!”—referring to a fox escaping to higher ground.

Late 19th Century

  • The idiom ‘run for the hills’ was also associated with American frontier life and military tactics.  Hills offered concealment and strategic advantage, and their sparse populations made them ideal for hiding from Law enforcement or enemies.  This cultural context further enriched the idiom’s usage.

Early 20th Century

  • Became a figurative idiom in English, meaning “flee quickly from trouble.”
  • Common in colloquial speech during wars and natural disasters, reinforcing the idea of hills as safe havens.

Post-1940s

  • Popularized in movies and literature depicting dramatic escapes, especially Westerns and war films.
  • Used humorously to exaggerate urgency in non-life-threatening situations.

Modern Usage (Late 20th Century–Present)

  • Expanded beyond physical danger:
    • Finance: Investors “run for the hills” during market crashes.
    • Relationships/Work: Advising someone to leave a toxic situation quickly.
  • Embedded in pop culture, music, and TV as shorthand for “get out fast”.

In modern contexts, “run for the hills” is almost always figurative and used to convey urgency or avoidance rather than literal escape.  Here are the main ways it appears today:

1.  Financial Markets

  • Meaning: Investors quickly withdraw from risky assets during periods of volatility.
  • Example:

“When tech stocks started crashing, traders ran for the hills and moved into bonds.”

2.  Business & Workplace

  • Meaning: Employees or partners abandon a failing project or company.
  • Example:

  • “After the merger announcement, half the senior staff ran for the hills.”

3.  Relationships & Social Situations

  • Meaning: Someone avoids commitment or a problematic relationship.
  • Example:

“He mentioned marriage, and she ran for the hills.”

4.  Politics & Public Opinion

  • Meaning: Politicians or brands distance themselves from controversy.
  • Example:

“Sponsors ran for the hills after the scandal broke.”

5.  Pop Culture & Humor

  • Used in movies, TV, and memes to exaggerate urgency in non-threatening situations: “Pumpkin spice season is here—run for the hills!”

Here are 10 real-world examples of “run for the hills” in modern contexts, drawn from news, finance, pop culture, and everyday language:

Finance & Business

·       Market Panic
“When tech stocks started crashing, traders ran for the hills and moved into bonds.”

·       Corporate Collapse
“The employees heard that the company was going bankrupt and began to run for the hills by finding new jobs.”

Politics

·       Scandal Avoidance
“The politician realized that his scandal was about to be exposed, so he decided to run for the hills.”

Pop Culture & Humor

·       BBC Example – Avoiding Tasks
“I ran for the hills when our boss said he was looking for a volunteer to do some extra filing.”

·       Relationship Humor
“When our relationship became toxic, I ran for the hills.”

·       Social Situations
“Marco asked me to babysit for him.  I ran for the hills!”

Media & Commentary

·       The Guardian Lifestyle
“Everyone else has run for the hills.”

·       The New Yorker
“Everybody else just runs for the hills.”

·       The New York Times
“Run for the hills!  Buy!” (used in a financial context)

Disaster Context

·       Literal Warning
“There are bound to be tidal waves after an earthquake like that.  We’d better run for the hills!”

Closing Paragraph:

The idiom “run for the hills” has evolved from a literal call to seek refuge in high ground into a vivid metaphor for urgent escape from any looming threat.  Its enduring popularity, seen in its frequent use across various contexts, reassures us of its continued relevance.

Today, the phrase resonates across business headlines, political commentary, and everyday humor, reminding us that when trouble approaches, the instinct to retreat swiftly remains as timeless as the hills themselves.