Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. The trouble makers took to their heels when they saw the police coming.

Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

The trouble makers took to their heels when they saw the police coming.

1. A. hid themselves
2. B. ran away (Correct answer)
3. C. faced them boldly
4. D. prepared to fight

Correct Answer

Option B — ran away

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is ran away.

Key Points

• The idiom "to take to one's heels" means to run away quickly, usually to escape.
• The context confirms it: the trouble makers reacted to *seeing the police coming*, so flight is the natural response.
• Hid themselves is close in spirit but describes concealment rather than fleeing, and is not what the idiom means.
• Faced them boldly and prepared to fight are the direct opposite of the idiom's sense.

Additional Information

• The phrase dates to the 15th century, from the idea that a fleeing person shows only their heels to whoever is behind them.
• Related idioms worth revising: show a clean pair of heels (escape) and cool one's heels (be kept waiting).