with one's tail between one's legs

with one's tail between one's legs
with one's tail between one's legs
Fig. appearing frightened or cowardly. (Fig. on the image of a frightened or defeated dog going off threatened or humiliated.) •

John seems to lack courage. When people criticize him unjustly, he just goes away with his tail between his legs and doesn't tell them that they're wrong.

The frightened dog ran away with its tail between its legs when the bigger dog growled.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • with one's tail between one's legs — ► with one s tail between one s legs informal in a state of dejection or humiliation. Main Entry: ↑tail …   English terms dictionary

  • with one's tail between one's legs — idi with one s tail between one s legs, utterly defeated or humiliated …   From formal English to slang

  • tail between one's legs — adverb A reaction to a confrontation, specifically one with excessive shame and hurt pride. :: He retreated from the fight with his tail between his legs …   Wiktionary

  • tail between one's legs — feeling ashamed or beaten He was forced to resign from his company with his tail between his legs after he was caught lying about his expense account …   Idioms and examples

  • with one's tail between one's legs — informal in a state of dejection or humiliation. → tail …   English new terms dictionary

  • tail between one's legs — {n. phr.} State of feeling beaten, ashamed, or very obedient, as after a scolding or a whipping. * /The army sent the enemy home with their tails between their legs./ * /The boys on the team had boasted they would win the tournament, but they… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • tail between one's legs — {n. phr.} State of feeling beaten, ashamed, or very obedient, as after a scolding or a whipping. * /The army sent the enemy home with their tails between their legs./ * /The boys on the team had boasted they would win the tournament, but they… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • tail\ between\ one's\ legs — n. phr. State of feeling beaten, ashamed, or very obedient, as after a scolding or a whipping. The army sent the enemy home with their tails between their legs. The boys on the team had boasted they would win the tournament, but they went home… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • with one's tail between one's legs — informal in a state of dejection or humiliation …   Useful english dictionary

  • tail — ► NOUN 1) the hindmost part of an animal, especially when extended beyond the rest of the body. 2) something extending downwards, outwards, or back like an animal s tail. 3) the rear part of an aircraft, with the tailplane and rudder. 4) the… …   English terms dictionary

  • tail — tail1 [tāl] n. [ME < OE tægel, akin to OHG zagel < IE base * dek̑ , to tear, tear off > Sans saśā, fringe] 1. a) the rear end of an animal s body, esp. when forming a distinct, flexible appendage to the trunk b) such an appendage 2.… …   English World dictionary

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