Take To One's Heels Meaning

Example : 1839, Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, ch. 10:  [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.1908, Robert Louis Stevenson, In the South Seas, ch. 26:  Of a sudden, however, a man broke from their company, took to his heels, and fled into the church.1955 July 4, "Art: Patriot Painter," Time:  After returning the fire three times, Peale's men saw the enemy formed near the college take to their heels.2010, Dr Oliver Akamnonu, Arranged Marriage and the Vanishing Roots, ISBN 9781452038063 p. 81:  Often tax defaulters would take to their heels on sighting the tax collectors.