Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
the-tail-is-wagging-the-dog
idiom
/ðə teɪl ɪz ˈwæɡɪŋ ðə dɔɡ/
Definition
A situation where a minor part of something controls or influences the whole.
Examples
- In the company, it seemed like the marketing team was the tail wagging the dog, making decisions that affected everyone.
- When the budget was cut for the whole project because of the complaints from one department, it was clear that the tail was wagging the dog.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that a small, less important aspect is dominating a larger, more significant one.
Synonyms
- minor influence
- small part dominating
- insignificant control
