Speak like an American Using Idioms: tail between one's legs

American Idioms for Daily Use

tail between one's legs: idiomatic phrase. State of feeling ashamed, sorry, beaten

After a bad grade, my daughter could no longer argue she would pass the test. Now, she has her tail between her legs.

The politician had no more excuse to defend his corruption but had his between his legs.

The player had boosted that they would win the game again, but lost badly. So it was time for them to have their tails between their legs.