1 tail /ˈteɪl/ noun
plural tails
1 tail
plural tails
Learner's definition of TAIL
[count] : the part of an animal's body that extends from the animal's back end see pictures at bird, horse
: a long piece that extends from the back end or bottom of something see also pigtails, ponytail, shirttail
: the back end of an airplane, helicopter, etc. see picture at airplane
tails [plural] : the back side of a coin : the side of a coin that is opposite the side which shows a picture of a person's head usually used to refer to one of the two choices you can make when a coin is thrown in the air to decide something
compare 1head 5
[singular] informal : a person (such as a detective) who follows or watches someone

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

see bright

not make head or/nor tail of

see 1head

on someone's tail

: following closely behind someone

the tail wagging the dog

used to describe a situation in which an important or powerful person, organization, etc., is being controlled by someone or something that is much less important or powerful

turn tail

: to turn around and run away from danger, trouble, etc.

with your tail between your legs

: with a feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed especially because you have been defeated
2 tail /ˈteɪl/ verb
tails; tailed; tailing
2 tail
tails; tailed; tailing
Learner's definition of TAIL
[+ object] informal : to follow (someone) closely
always followed by an adverb or preposition, [no object] : to move in a line that is not straight

tail back

[phrasal verb] British, of vehicles
: to form a line that moves slowly or not at all because of heavy traffic, an accident, etc. see also tailback 2

tail off

[phrasal verb]
: to become smaller or quieter in a gradual way
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Comments & Questions
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