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What is the meaning of having a tiger by the tail?
It seems to refer to a situation where at first blush you imagine you are controlling a situation only to realize (too late) it is far more dangerous than you thought. So it seems like the person using this phrase is warning you to exercise extreme caution because you basically have no idea what you are getting yourself into. Do I have this right? Any other interpretations?
5 Answers
- PhilipLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
'Tiger by the tail' is an idiom used when 'something too difficult to manage or cope with'.
For example:
You know nothing about the commodities market; you'll end up catching a tiger by the tail. This colorful metaphor conjures up the image of grabbing a powerful but fierce animal by the tail, only to have it turn on one.
- Anonymous6 years ago
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RE:
What is the meaning of having a tiger by the tail?
It seems to refer to a situation where at first blush you imagine you are controlling a situation only to realize (too late) it is far more dangerous than you thought. So it seems like the person using this phrase is warning you to exercise extreme caution because you basically have no idea what...
Source(s): meaning tiger tail: https://biturl.im/HGZ9P - picadorLv 71 decade ago
Another way of saying that is "He who rides a tiger cannot dismount."
It means that you are ok as long as you stay behind or on top of the tiger, but sooner or later you need to let go. That's when the trouble starts!
