IdiomAnimals
Spanish
Spanishcon el rabo entre las piernas
Meaning: In a state of shame, defeat, or humiliation; cowed and demoralized.
Literally: With the tail between the legs
Example: “Volvió a casa con el rabo entre las piernas tras perder la apuesta.” — He came home with his tail between his legs after losing the bet.
English equivalent: With one's tail between one's legs
Equivalents in other languages
Albanian: Iku me bishtin ndër shalë Literally: He left with his tail between his legs
French: Avoir la queue entre les jambes Literally: To have one's tail between one's legs
English: with one's tail between one's legs
Origin: A beaten or frightened dog clamps its tail (rabo) between its hind legs, a sign of submission understood across species and languages. Leaving con el rabo entre las piernas is leaving humiliated and defeated; the RAE dictionary also accepts con el rabo entre piernas. English has the identical phrase.
More Spanish idioms
- quedarle cuerda To still have plenty of energy, vitality, or usefulness left.
- de grado o por fuerza Whether one likes it or not; willingly or unwillingly.
- mandarse a mudar (Latin American Spanish) To leave abruptly or without notice; to depart hastily.
- a pesar de los pesares Despite all difficulties and hardships; no matter what obstacles arise.
- sin cuartel Without mercy or restraint; ruthlessly and completely.
- caérsele el alma a los pies to be deeply disappointed or dismayed.
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