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tail

As a noun, "tail" most commonly refers to the flexible appendage at the rear of an animal's body. It can also refer to the rear part of an aircraft or the end of something long and trailing. Informally, "a tail" can mean a person who is secretly following someone, typically for surveillance purposes. As a transitive verb, "to tail" means to follow someone or something covertly.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Brian's messy IT cubicle, late afternoon.

Brian

Mark, did you actually finish that network report?

Mark

Almost, Brian! Just tying up the tail end of it now, bro.

💡

Mark uses the idiom 'tail end' to indicate he is nearing completion of the report. His casual tone and use of 'bro' reflect his slacker persona, while Brian's direct question shows his impatience, fitting the grumpy IT guy dynamic. The word 'tail' is crucial here as 'tail end' is a common idiom meaning the very last part.

Meanings

noun

The rear part of an animal's body that extends beyond its main body.

"dog's wagging tail"

noun

The rear part of an aircraft or other vehicle.

"airplane tail section"

noun

The last part of something, especially a long, thin, or trailing part.

"comet's fiery tail"

noun

(Informal) A person or group following another, often secretly, as in surveillance.

"put a tail on someone"

verb (transitive)

[tail someone][tail something]

To follow and observe someone or something secretly.

"tail a suspect"

Examples

My dog's tail never stops wagging when I walk in.

I swear, that shady guy was trying to tail us for blocks!

Dude, the patrol car's on your tail! Slow down!

The flight attendant pointed to the plane's tail section for exits.

I saw the meteor, just a fiery tail across the night sky.

Last Updated: May 10, 2026•Report an Error