Take to one's heels

[T]hen, confused and frightened, he took to his heels; and, not knowing what he did, made off as fast as he could lay his feet to the ground.

Of a sudden, however, a man broke from their company, took to his heels, and fled into the church.

After returning the fire three times, Peale's men saw the enemy formed near the college take to their heels.

Often tax defaulters would take to their heels on sighting the tax collectors.