flee pell-mell at the sight of; collapse before the enemy
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to flee pell-mell at the sight of the enemy; to collapse without a fight; to scatter before the wind
formalOriginally a military term describing troops who lose their will to fight and scatter upon seeing the enemy's overwhelming momentum. Now also used metaphorically for companies, teams, or individuals who give up easily when facing strong competition.
Wherever our army went, the enemy fled pell-mell and surrendered without a fight.
This team is so strong that opponents usually collapse at the sight of them, completely unable to fight back.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Back then his reputation was so formidable that hooligans would scatter before the wind and flee in all directions.
With its price advantages, this company caused competitors to collapse without a fight and withdraw from the market one after another.