American Idioms and Expressions

The Tail Wagging The Dog Idiom

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
the tail wagging the dog
What does the tail wagging the dog mean?
a situation where a small part controls the whole thingWhen the small group of managers began to run the large company, it was like the tail wagging the dog.
the tail wagging the dog
What does the tail wagging the dog mean?
a situation where a small part controls the whole thing The tail is wagging the dog. The receptionist controls everything in the office.

the tail wagging the dog
What does the tail wagging the dog mean?
a situation where a small part of something controls the whole thing The tail is wagging the dog. The receptionist controls everything in the office.


Some Random Idioms
worm one's way out of (something)
What does "worm one's way out of (something)" mean?
to squeeze or wiggle out of a problem or a responsibilityMy friend was easily able to worm her way out of the problem at work.
butt
What does "butt" mean?
buttocks (shortened form)
get one`s feet wet
What does "get one`s feet wet" mean?
to begin to do something for the first timeWe do not have to finish this job today but at least we can get our feet wet and start.
At the fore
What does "At the fore" mean?
In a leading position
Big hitter
What does "Big hitter" mean?
A big hitter is someone who commands a lot of respect and is very important in their field.
as easy as apple pie
What does "as easy as apple pie" mean?
very easy The test that I wrote yesterday was as easy as apple pie.

open (something) up
What does "open (something) up" mean?
to reveal the possibilities of somethingThe departure of the school principal opened his job up to other members of the staff.
get off (easy/lightly)
What does "get off (easy/lightly)" mean?
receive very little or no punishment for somethingThe young man got off easy and did not have to go to jail for his crime.
freak out
What does "freak out" mean?
to become angry or lose control of oneself I freaked out when I discovered that my reservation had not been made.

come to a standstill
What does "come to a standstill" mean?
to stopThe circus came to a standstill when the elephant escaped from his cage.
get involved with (someone)
What does "get involved with (someone)" mean?
to become associated with someone (often romantically) The bank teller got involved with the bank manager several months ago .

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