How to Pronounce "tail wagging the dog"
expression
TAYL WAG-ing thuh DOG
TAYL WAG-ing thuh DOG
Definition
This expression is used when a smaller or less important part is controlling the whole, instead of the other way around. It describes a situation where minor details or a small group have too much influence over something larger or more important.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈteɪɫ/ /ˈwæɡɪŋ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɔɡ
British English
tˈeɪl/ /wˈæɡɪŋ/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈɒɡ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TAYL WAG-ing thuh DOG
UK
TAYL WAG-ing thuh DOG
Listen in Context
The small committee is making all the decisions. It's the tail wagging the dog.
Letting one loud voice decide for everyone is the tail wagging the dog.
The side project gets all the funding—truly a tail wagging the dog situation.
Some say the media is the tail wagging the dog in our elections.