With your tail between your legs

usgb
phrase

Feeling ashamed or embarrassed after failing or making a mistake.

He had to go back to his old job with his tail between his legs after his new business failed.
Visual representation of "with your tail between your legs" - Feeling ashamed or embarrassed after failing or making a mistake.

Often appears as...

  • return with tail between legs
  • walk with tail between legs

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "with your tail between your legs"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Visual Imagery

The phrase paints a picture of a defeated dog, which can help you remember its meaning.

Illustration for Visual Imagery
After the argument, Mike left the room with his tail between his legs.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figuratively Speaking

It's a metaphorical expression; no actual tail is involved.

Illustration for Figuratively Speaking
Losing the game, the team walked off with their tails between their legs.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Don't use this phrase to describe physical movement; it's about feelings of shame or failure.

Illustration for Not Literal
She felt she had to apologize with her tail between her legs after being rude.
Visual representation of the word "With your tail between your legs"

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