The correct spelling of the phrase "was on tail" may seem straightforward, but the pronunciation can be confusing. The first word, "was," is commonly pronounced with a short vowel sound /wʌz/. The second word, "on," is pronounced with a long vowel sound /ɒn/. The final word, "tail," is pronounced with a diphthong /teɪl/, which can sometimes be mistaken for a single vowel sound. So, the correct transcription for the spelling of "was on tail" is /wʌz ɒn teɪl/.
"Was on tail" is an idiomatic expression derived from the phrase "to be on one's tail." In its literal sense, "tail" refers to the hindmost part of an animal or object. However, in this context, it figuratively alludes to the act of closely following or monitoring someone or something.
When someone says that they "were on tail," it means that they were diligently observing or pursuing a person, issue, or situation with great focus, attention, or scrutiny. It implies an intent to keep a close eye on someone's actions or movements, often indicating suspicion or the need for vigilance.
The phrase "was on tail" can be used to describe scenarios in various contexts, such as espionage, surveillance, investigations, or even casual observation. This expression is commonly associated with detective work or when someone is actively attempting to gather information or solve a mystery.
In simpler terms, "was on tail" means that one was actively and intensively following someone or something, closely watching their actions or whereabouts. It emphasizes the close monitoring or persistent pursuit of a particular target or subject, implying a sense of dedication, attentiveness, and possibly suspicion.