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to make a (hasty) retreat
01
to escape or withdraw from a situation that is dangerous or unpleasant
What is the origin of the idiom "make a retreat" and when to use it?
The idiom "make a retreat" originates from military terminology, where it refers to the strategic withdrawal of forces from a battlefield or combat zone. This expression is commonly used in a broader sense to describe anyone who chooses to step back or withdraw from an unfavorable or uncomfortable position.
Example
As the weather worsened, the hikers decided to make a retreat to the safety of their camp.
Realizing the project was not going as planned, the team leader suggested making a retreat to reassess their approach.
The team then beats a retreat from the mall, hoping no one noticed them.
