[cow's tail] {n.}, {dialect} A person who is behind others. * /John was the cow's tail at the exam./ * /Fred was always the old cow's tail for football practice./ […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

make head or tail of

[make head or tail of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To see the why of; finding a meaning in; understand. - Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences. * /She could not […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

tail wags the dog

[tail wags the dog] Said of situations in which a minor part is in control of the whole. * /He is just a minor employee at the firm, yet he […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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barge in

[barge in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To appear uninvited at someone's house or apartment, or to interrupt a conversation. * /I'm […]

beyond the shadow of a doubt

[beyond the shadow of a doubt] {adv. phr.}, {formal and legal} Absolutely certain, totally convincing. * /Fred burglarized […]

Stephen Leacock

(1869-1944), Canadian humoristeducator, Literary Lapses, 1910 Many a man in love with a dimple makes the mistake of marrying […]

Thomas Jefferson

(1743-1826) U.S. President I cannot live without books.

Irritainment

[Irritainment] Entertainment and media spectacles that are annoying, but you find yourself unable to stop watching them. The […]

first-string

[first-string] {adj.}, {informal} 1. On the starting team or A team. * /He was the first-string quarterback./ 2. Of the […]

for the best

[for the best] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} good or best; not bad as thought; lucky; well, happily. * /Maybe it's for the best that […]