tail away
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Get smaller, quieter, or weaker little by little until it almost disappears
Literal meaning: A tail that moves away — the image of something trailing off like an animal's tail disappearing into the distance.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(Of sound or speech) To gradually become quieter until it is barely audible
"Her voice tailed away as she realized no one was listening."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(Of performance, numbers, or enthusiasm) To gradually decline over time
"Attendances tailed away in the second half of the season as the team dropped down the table."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Less common than 'tail off', which is the preferred form in most varieties of English. Both verbs are used for sound, economic indicators, performance, and enthusiasm. More common in British English.
Commonly used with
voice sound support enthusiasm profits performance
Forms
Base
tail away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tails away
he/she/it
Past simple
tailed away
yesterday
Past participle
tailed away
have + pp
-ing form
tailing away
continuous
Understand "tail away" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "tail away" on Looplines