脱兎(だっと)

だっと
noun
a fleeing rabbit (脱兎のごとく, like a shot)
formalidiommovement
1. a fleeing rabbit; (in 脱兎のごとく) like a shot, at full speed
Literally a rabbit running away. Used almost only in the set phrase 脱兎(だっと)のごとく, 'like a fleeing rabbit', for running off very fast.
脱兎(だっと)のごとく逃(に)げる。
To run off like a shot.
ベルが鳴(な)ると、彼(かれ)は脱兎(だっと)のごとく教室(きょうしつ)を飛(と)び出(だ)した。
When the bell rang, he dashed out of the classroom like a shot.
警官(けいかん)の姿(すがた)を見(み)た途端(とたん)、男(おとこ)は脱兎(だっと)のごとく走(はし)り去(さ)った。
The moment he saw the police officer, the man took off at full speed.

Common expressions

  • 脱兎(だっと)のごとく: like a fleeing rabbit; at lightning speed
  • 始(はじ)めは処女(しょじょ)のごとく、後(のち)は脱兎(だっと)のごとし: from Sunzi's Art of War, 'first shy as a maiden, then swift as a fleeing hare' (lull the enemy, then strike fast)

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Written and literary; in speech people say ものすごい速(はや)さで逃(に)げた or 一目散(いちもくさん)に逃(に)げた.

general
Added 2026.10.2 4:37 · Revised 2026.10.2 4:41
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