turn tail

Buggins's turn

A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

chase one's tail

To busily try to perform many tasks or to repeatedly revise one's plans, especially with inefficient use of one's time and limited results.

chase tail

To be on the hunt for a (usually sexual) partner.

good turn

A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

grow a tail

to be nearly about to defecate, to the point of being unable to completely hold it in

have a tiger by the tail

To be in a difficult or dangerous situation in which one ideally should not remain, but from which one cannot withdraw.

have the tiger by the tail

To be in a difficult or dangerous situation in which one ideally should not remain, but from which one cannot withdraw.

have the world by the tail

To possess great influence and opportunity.