🌟 Tail Between the Legs: The Chronicles of Embarrassment and Defeat 😳
Definition: With a feeling of shame or embarrassment. This expression alludes to a dog that slinks off in defeat. It has been attributed to human behavior since about the 1800s.
Synonyms:
- Crestfallen
- Ashamed
- Hangdog
- Downtrodden
- Abashed
Antonyms:
- Proud
- Confident
- Assured
- Triumphant
- Exultant
Similar Expressions and Idioms:
- Eating humble pie
- Swallowing one’s pride
- Climbing down from one’s high horse
Humorous Quote:
“He returned with his tail between his legs and a whole bakery’s worth of humble pie ready for consumption.” — Anonymous
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “To err is human, to retrieve with tail between the legs, even more so.”
- “Pride comes before a fall… and often before a tail-tucking retreat.”
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Book: The Magnificent Humiliation by Renee Fitzgerald – A humorous novel about life’s embarrassing moments.
- Poem: Ode to Humility by Sylvia Woods – A reflective piece on the concept of personal shame and growth.
- Movie: Shame and Glory (1974) – A cinematic exploration of human pride and embarrassment.
### "Tail between the legs" idioms: True or false?
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. The idiom "tail between the legs" connotes a feeling of shame or defeat, typically originating from a submissive dog’s posture.
### Which of these expressions means to show shame or humility?
- [ ] Dancing with umbrellas
- [x] Eating humble pie
- [ ] Whistling in the dark
- [ ] Swimming with tomatoes
> **Explanation:** "Eating humble pie" refers to a state of humility or admitting one’s mistakes, akin to showing shame.
### Which phrase implies resignation or acknowledgment of defeat?
- [ ] Singing like a champion
- [ ] Walking proudly
- [x] With tail between the legs
- [ ] Leaping with joy
> **Explanation:** "With tail between the legs" implies acknowledging defeat or showing signs of embarrassment.
### What idiomatic expression best matches this scenario: "After his bold claims proved wrong, he returned for advice"?
- [x] Tail between the legs
- [ ] Head in the clouds
- [ ] Walking on sunshine
- [ ] Over the moon
> **Explanation:** "Tail between the legs" fits perfectly as it indicates coming back humbled due to failed bold claims.
### True or False: "Swallowing one's pride" means to sincerely apologize.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. Swallowing one’s pride refers to admitting wrong and possibly apologizing sincerely.
With tails tucked and wisdom gained, we navigate life’s mortifying avenues one humble pie at a time. Remember, growth often sprouts from the seeds of embarrassment, so don’t be afraid to embrace the lessons they bring.
M. L. Laughalot
October 7, 2023
