take cover
To hide behind something to protect oneself from some airborne danger, especially gunfire or missiles. The police officer took cover behind a car as the shooter sprayed bullets in her direction. Citizens have been taking cover for nearly a week the enemy's bombardment has continued unabated.
take cover
to seek shelter from gunfire or other projectiles. As soon as the firing started, we took cover behind a huge boulder.
take cover
Seek protection, find a hiding place, as in It started to pour so we took cover under the trees, or He wanted to avoid the reporters so we said he could take cover in our summer cottage. This term uses cover in the sense of "shelter" or "concealment," a usage dating from the 1400s.
take cover
To seek concealment or protection, as from enemy fire.