with one’s tail between one’s legs, (to go off with) 🐾
Definition: Feeling ashamed or embarrassed. This idiom dates back to around 1400 and depicts the imagery of a dog slinking off in defeat. By the 1800s, the phrase was being used to describe human behavior. A notable example is from W. E. Norris’s Thirlby Hall (1884): “We shall have you back here very soon… with your tail between your legs.” Interestingly, the French have a correlative phrase: s’en aller la queue entre les jambes.
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Face the music: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
- Eat humble pie: To admit one’s mistakes and apologize.
- Swallow one’s pride: To forfeit pride and accept something humiliating or embarrassing.
Synonyms:
- Ashamed ✅
- Embarrassed 😳
- Humiliated 🦶
- Subdued 🤐
Antonyms:
- Proud ✨
- Confident 💪
- Elated 🎉
- Resilient ❤️🔥
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“How do you turn embarrassment into a jigsaw puzzle? Piece out your pee-shame!” 🧩
Proverbs:
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” 🚨
- “One who flees the battle, wins by merely surviving today.” 🍃
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: Thirlby Hall by W. E. Norris 📚
- Song: “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John 🎶
- Movie: The Scarlet Letter directed by Roland Joffé 🎥
- Poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost 🛤️
Intriguing and Engaging Titles:
- 🐶 Tailspin and Triumphs: Defeats of Dogged Determination
- 💔 Heartblush: Face Your Embarrassment With a Brave Front
- 🎭 Curtain Calls and Crowd Cheers: The Rise After the Setback
- 📜 Take It in Stride: From Humble Pies to Heroic Moments
Quizzes:
### Which phrase means the same as going off with one’s tail between one’s legs?
- [x] Eat humble pie
- [ ] Ruffle someone’s feathers
- [ ] Give up the ghost
- [ ] Kick the bucket
> **Explanation:** "Eat humble pie" typically involves accepting humiliation, akin to going off with one's tail between one’s legs.
### Which idiom aligns closest to slinking away in shame?
- [x] Swallow one’s pride
- [ ] Break a leg
- [ ] Beat around the bush
- [ ] Spill the beans
> **Explanation:** "Swallow one’s pride" involves conceding with dignity, much like feeling ashamed and slinking away.
### The French phrase corresponding to 'with a tail between one’s legs' is?
- [x] s’en aller la queue entre les jambes
- [ ] prendre la mouche
- [ ] avaler des couleuvres
- [ ] passer l'éponge
> **Explanation:** The correct French idiom for feeling embarrassed or shameful and leaving in defeat is "s’en aller la queue entre les jambes."
### True or False: “Embarrassed” is a synonym for going off with one’s tail between one’s legs.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Embarrassed" is indeed a synonym, as it reflects a state of shame or discomfort similar to the idiom's meaning.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Remember, every tail-tucked retreat is simply a step back to learn, gain resilience, and jump back up even higher. Embrace the curve of your journey, tails, and all! 🐾🌟
- W. E. Merrymuse, October 2023
