The phrase "put tail between legs" is a common idiom used to describe a person who is feeling ashamed or defeated. The phonetic transcription of the phrase would be /pʊt teɪl bɪˈtwiːn lɛɡz/. The word "tail" is spelled with the letter combination "ai" due to the specific pronunciation of the sound /eɪ/ in English. The word "between" is spelled with the letter combination "tw" in order to accurately represent the sound /tw/ which is a combination of /t/ and /w/.
To "put tail between legs" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a situation in which someone feels ashamed, embarrassed, or defeated due to their actions or a particular outcome. The phrase comes from literal animal behavior, observing dogs that tuck their tails between their hind legs when they exhibit signs of submission, fear, or shame.
Metaphorically, when someone "puts their tail between their legs," they demonstrate signs of surrender, submission, or retreat. This can occur when an individual realizes they were wrong or made a mistake, resulting in feelings of humiliation or defeat. It suggests that the person experiences a loss of confidence or pride, causing them to retreat or withdraw from a situation as a result of feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
The phrase is often used to describe someone who is figuratively behaving like a submissive or defeated animal, emphasizing their lowered self-esteem and diminished confidence. It implies a sense of recognizing one's own wrongdoing or inadequacy, often leading to a display of humility or contrition. The term is commonly employed in various contexts, including personal relationships, competitions, and professional environments, to depict a person's admission of defeat or to highlight their recognition of their own mistakes or failures.