tail
The part that sticks out from the back of an animal's body.
The long, flexible part extending from the back end of an animal's body, often used for balance, communication, or movement.
The back part of a car, plane, or other object.
The rear section of a vehicle, aircraft, or similar object.
To go behind someone and follow them closely.
To follow someone or something closely, often secretly or to watch them.
Something thin that comes out from the end of something else.
A part that sticks out at the end of something, resembling an animal's tail in shape or position.
A person who goes after someone to watch them secretly.
A person who follows someone secretly, usually for surveillance purposes.
- Base: tail
- Plural: tail, tails
- Base: tail
- 3rd Person Singular: tails
- Present Participle: tailing
- Past: tailed
on someone's tail
1Closely following someone in pursuit
To be very close behind someone when chasing them.
- The police were on his tail after the robbery.
- I've had debt collectors on my tail for weeks.
tail end
1Final part of something in time or sequence
The last part of something.
- We caught the tail end of the concert.
- I joined the meeting at the tail end of the discussion.
tail off
1Gradually decrease in strength or amount
To slowly get weaker or smaller.
- His voice tailed off as he realized no one was listening.
- Sales tailed off towards the end of the year.
turn tail
1Flee quickly from danger or confrontation
To run away quickly from danger or trouble.
- The soldiers turned tail when they saw the enemy reinforcements.
- He turned tail and ran when the dog barked.
with one's tail between one's legs
1Feeling ashamed after defeat or humiliation
Feeling bad and ashamed because you lost or failed.
- He came back with his tail between his legs after losing the match.
- She returned with her tail between her legs after being proved wrong.