On somebody’s tail

usgb
idiom

Close behind someone, often in pursuit or trying to catch them.

He drove off with the police right on his tail.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s tail" - Close behind someone, often in pursuit or trying to catch them.

Often appears as...

  • police on his tail
  • dog on his tail

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "on somebody’s tail"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Pursuit

Used when describing someone physically close behind, like in a chase.

Illustration for Physical Pursuit
I sprinted down the street with my brother on my tail.
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Not Literal

It doesn't always mean a literal pursuit; it can describe a metaphorical chase.

Illustration for Not Literal
After the interview, I had several companies on my tail.
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Action Scenes

Commonly used in action movies or books to describe thrilling chases.

Illustration for Action Scenes
The hero raced through the crowd with the villain on his tail.
Visual representation of the word "On somebody’s tail"

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