tail between one's legs
The phrase "tail between one's legs" originates from the behavior of dogs when they feel ashamed or scared, tucking their tails to show submission or defeat.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Feeling ashamed or embarrassed, often after a defeat or failure.
Example
- After losing the game, he walked off the field with his tail between his legs.
- She returned to the office with her tail between her legs after being scolded by the boss.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tail between one's legs":