tail down
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When the back of a plane or vehicle is lower than the front
Literal meaning: The tail (rear end) is pointing down — entirely transparent.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
(Aviation) To fly or sit in a position where the rear of the aircraft is lower than the nose
"On approach, the light aircraft came in tail down and had to abort the landing."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 neutral
(Animal behavior) For an animal to lower its tail, typically as a sign of submission or fear
"The dog tailed down and retreated when the larger dog approached."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily used in aviation and automotive contexts to describe aircraft attitude or vehicle posture. Also used in animal behavior to describe a dog or other animal lowering its tail. Quite technical outside these contexts.
Commonly used with
aircraft plane attitude landing vehicle posture
Forms
Base
tail down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tails down
he/she/it
Past simple
tailed down
yesterday
Past participle
tailed down
have + pp
-ing form
tailing down
continuous
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