tailing
word · lemma: tail
Definition
'Tailing' can mean secretly following someone to observe them, or, in mining, the leftover material after valuable minerals are removed.
Usage & Nuances
Informal when used for secret following, often in detective stories or police work: 'tailing someone.' In mining, usually appears in technical contexts as a plural noun: 'mine tailings.' Do not confuse with 'tail' (the end part of something).
Example Sentences
The detective was tailing the suspect all day.
basic
Police spent hours tailing the group before making an arrest.
natural
The river was polluted by old mine tailing dumped nearby.
natural
He noticed someone tailing him after he left the bank.
basic
Mining produces a lot of tailing that must be managed safely.
basic
She tried to lose the car that was tailing her through the city.
natural