词源趣谈 | have one's tail between one's legs 垂头丧气

one has one's tail between one's legs 指某人感觉受到挫败，感到羞耻或沮丧。比如：

• He went into the negotiation in a friendly mood, but came out with his tail between his legs.
  他怀着一种友好的情绪去参加和谈，出来时却垂头丧气。

根据一些资料来源，这一表达可追溯至公元500年左右。当时的作家描写道，受惊或胆小的狗会把尾巴夹在两腿之间。