tail wagging the dog, the
the tail wagging the dog
The smallest or least important part of something in control of the larger or more important elements; a reversal of typical roles or dynamics of power. They reorganized their entire weekly schedule just because their son likes to sleep in late. Talk about the tail wagging the dog. Their group is small but very vocal, so be sure that management doesn't give in to their demands. We don't want the tail wagging the dog, after all.
See also: dog, tail, wag
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
tail wagging the dog, the
A small or unimportant factor or element governing an important one; a reversal of the proper roles. For example, She found herself explaining the new therapy to her doctor-a real case of the tail wagging the dog . [c. 1900]
See also: tail, wag
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- tail wagging the dog
- the tail wagging the dog
- the tail wags the dog
- blow out of proportion
- blow (something) out of (all) proportion
- blow (something) up out of proportion
- be greater/more than the sum of its parts
- be more/bigger/greater than the sum of its parts
- greater
- (someone or something) to shout about