尻尾しっぽを巻まく

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.

• 彼かれはあんなに強つよ気きだったのに、上じょう司しに怒おこられて尻尾しっぽを巻まいて逃にげた。

  He was so confident, but after being scolded by his boss, he tucked his tail and ran.

• 議ぎ論ろんで負まけて、彼かれはすっかり尻尾しっぽを巻まいていた。

  Having lost the argument, he completely admitted defeat.