expression, godan verb (-ku)
tuck one's tail between one's legs; admit defeat; turn tail and run
Idiomatic expression describing someone backing down, retreating, or admitting defeat after acting boldly, likened to a dog tucking its tail in submission.
彼はあんなに強気だったのに、上司に怒られて尻尾を巻いて逃げた。
He was so confident, but after being scolded by his boss, he tucked his tail and ran.
Having lost the argument, he completely admitted defeat.