Meaning
To give up after being defeated.
Cultural Background
In Turkish culture, 'kuyruğu dik tutmak' (keeping the tail upright) is the opposite of this idiom, meaning to maintain one's pride despite difficulties. The idiom reflects the historical importance of livestock and shepherd dogs in Anatolia, where animal body language was common knowledge. Political columnists frequently use this idiom to describe opposition leaders or foreign powers who back down from a threat. Classic movies often feature a 'bully' character who eventually 'tucks his tail' when the hero confronts him.
Use with Gerunds
It sounds most natural when used as 'kuyruğunu kısıp kaçtı' or 'kuyruğunu kısıp gitti'.
Be Careful with Tone
This is a mocking phrase. Don't use it to someone's face unless you want to start a fight.
Meaning
To give up after being defeated.
Use with Gerunds
It sounds most natural when used as 'kuyruğunu kısıp kaçtı' or 'kuyruğunu kısıp gitti'.
Be Careful with Tone
This is a mocking phrase. Don't use it to someone's face unless you want to start a fight.
Animal Context
If you are talking about a real dog, it's not an idiom, just a description. Context is key!
Opposite Idiom
Remember 'kuyruğu dik tutmak' as the positive counterpart to help you remember both.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Patronu hatalarını yüzüne vurunca, Ahmet ________ odasına döndü.
The context of being scolded by a boss and returning to the room fits the 'tucked tail' idiom.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'kuyruğunu kısmak'?
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisinde bu deyim kullanılır?
The idiom describes retreating in shame after a defeat or being proven wrong.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Mehmet yine çok iddialı konuşuyordu.' Fatma: 'Evet ama sınavdan düşük alınca ________.'
Failing an exam after being boastful leads to 'tucking one's tail'.
Match the person to their action.
Mağrur bir boksör nakavt olunca ne yapar?
A proud boxer being knocked out would retreat in shame.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tail Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPatronu hatalarını yüzüne vurunca, Ahmet ________ odasına döndü.
The context of being scolded by a boss and returning to the room fits the 'tucked tail' idiom.
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisinde bu deyim kullanılır?
The idiom describes retreating in shame after a defeat or being proven wrong.
Ayşe: 'Mehmet yine çok iddialı konuşuyordu.' Fatma: 'Evet ama sınavdan düşük alınca ________.'
Failing an exam after being boastful leads to 'tucking one's tail'.
Mağrur bir boksör nakavt olunca ne yapar?
A proud boxer being knocked out would retreat in shame.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt can be. It implies cowardice or humiliation, so it's usually used to describe someone you don't like or someone who was being annoying.
Yes, but usually in a self-deprecating or humorous way, like 'Hatalı olduğumu anlayınca kuyruğumu kısıp oturdum.'
It literally means a dog tucking its tail between its legs due to fear.
Only informally among colleagues. You wouldn't use it in a formal meeting with a client.
'Kısmak' means to squeeze/tuck/dim. 'Kesmek' means to cut. Using 'kesmek' changes the meaning entirely.
No, the idiom itself is always negative or neutral-descriptive of a defeat.
Yes, 'kuyruklarını kısıp gittiler' (they tucked their tails and left).
Yes, especially in sports and political news to describe a losing side.
It's like the 'a' in 'about' or the 'e' in 'the', but produced further back in the throat.
Yes, but 'kuyruğunu kısmak' is much more common and sounds more complete.
No, Turkish idioms involving tails almost always refer to dogs or wolves.
It is considered C1 because it requires understanding of social nuance and metaphorical animal imagery.
Related Phrases
kuyruğu dik tutmak
contrastTo keep one's chin up / maintain pride.
pabucu dama atılmak
similarTo be cast aside / lose importance.
yelkenleri suya indirmek
similarTo give up one's insistence / back down.
dut yemiş bülbüle dönmek
similarTo become suddenly silent.
kuyruk sallamak
relatedTo flatter someone / flirt.
