1 C1 neutral
(Construction) To insert the end of a structural timber, beam, or rafter into a notch or socket in a masonry wall for support
"The carpenter tailed in each joist along the supporting wall before laying the floorboards."
separable
tail in
C1 neutral separable transitive
(Construction) To embed the end of a beam, joist, or rafter into a wall or supporting structure
In plain English
Put the end of a wooden beam into a hole in a wall to hold it in place
What does "tail in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To insert the tail (end) of something in — transparent in construction contexts.
Actually means
Put the end of a wooden beam into a hole in a wall to hold it in place
Usage tip
Technical construction and carpentry term. The 'tail' refers to the projecting end of a beam or rafter. Not commonly encountered outside of building trade contexts.
Words that pair with "tail in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
beam joist rafter wall masonry timber
How to conjugate "tail in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tail in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tails in
he/she/it
Past simple
tailed in
yesterday
Past participle
tailed in
have + pp
-ing form
tailing in
continuous
Hear "tail in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tail in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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