run for the (nearest) exit(s)

1. To depart or seek to escape from some place very hastily, as if fleeing. I'm nervous about taking my new girlfriend to dinner with my parents. If my dad starts telling his stupid jokes, I'm afraid she'll want to run for the nearest exit. If we sound as bad as our sound check, people will run for the exits after the first few notes!

2. To depart or disengage from some situation, arrangement, obligation, etc. All the controversy surrounding the company has sent many of its financial partners running for the nearest exits.