Take cover Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈkəvɝ
TAYK KUH-ver
tˈeɪk/ /kˈʌvɐ
TAYK KUH-vuh
Definition
To move to a safe place or hide from danger, especially during an attack, storm, or emergency.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in urgent or emergency situations (military, storms, active shooter). Often an imperative: 'Everyone, take cover!'. Informal in daily speech; rarely used for minor problems. Not used for slow, planned escape—implies sudden action.
Spanish: ponerse a cubierto - resguardarsePortuguese (BR): se proteger - buscar abrigoPortuguese (PT): proteger-se - abrigar-seChinese (Simplified): 寻找掩护 - 躲避Chinese (Traditional): 尋找掩護 - 躲避Hindi: छिप जाना - शरण लेनाArabic: اختبئ - احتمِBengali: আড়ালে যাওয়া - নিরাপদ আশ্রয়ে যাওয়াRussian: укрыться - спрятатьсяJapanese: 身を隠す - 避難するVietnamese: trú ẩn - nấpKorean: 숨다 - 대피하다Turkish: siper almak - saklanmakUrdu: پناہ لینا - چھپ جاناIndonesian: berlindung - mencari perlindungan
Example Sentences
The soldiers took cover behind the wall.
basic
When the storm began, we took cover in a small hut.
basic
If you hear the alarm, take cover immediately.
basic
Everybody, take cover—there’s debris flying everywhere!
natural
We barely had time to take cover before the hail started.
natural
You don’t need to take cover just because a squirrel runs by!
natural