尻尾
also: しりお
Meanings
1
tail; animal's tail
The ordinary word for an animal's tail. Common with verbs such as 振る, 垂れる, and 丸める.
The dog is wagging its tail happily.
Be careful not to step on the cat's tail.
2
Used for the tail-like or far-end part of something, especially when it resembles an animal's tail or is conceptualized as the last bit.
This taiyaki has sweet bean paste all the way to the tail end.
The tail of the kite was swaying in the wind.
Usage patterns
- 尻尾が長いto have a long tail
That monkey has a very long tail.
- 〈場所〉の尻尾the tail end (of a line, area, etc.)
The line is so long you can't even see the tail end of it.
- 尻尾を立てるto raise one's tail (e.g. a cat when alert or happy)
The cat came closer with its tail raised.
- 尻尾で〈物〉をたたくto hit/slap something with one's tail
The dog is happily thumping its tail on the floor.
Expressions
- 尻尾を掴むhave something on someone; catch someone out; get evidence on someone
- 尻尾を出すshow one's true colors; give oneself away; expose one's faults
- 尻尾を巻くtuck one's tail between one's legs; admit defeat; turn tail and run
- 尻尾を振るwag one's tail · flatter; butter up; fawn on
- トカゲの尻尾切りscapegoating a subordinate; passing the buck to a lower-ranking person