be chasing your tail Thành ngữ, tục ngữ
be chasing [one's] [own] tail
To be taking action that is ineffectual and does not lead to progress. Refers to how a dog can exhaust itself by chasing its own tail. Come on, Bill, go to sleep. You're just chasing your tail at this point, but you might have a breakthrough with the research if you take a break from it. I've been chasing my tail on this project because so many components of it are just not working out.See also: chase, tailbe chasing your tail
or be chasing your own tail
If someone is chasing their tail or is chasing their own tail, they are using a lot of time and energy but not achieving much. I'm more relaxed now. Before, I was chasing my tail like some sort of lunatic. I've been chasing my own tail all these years.See also: chase, tailSee also:- be chasing [one's] [own] tail
- be chasing tail
- chase [one's] tail
- chase tail
- chase your tail
- nip on [someone's or something's] heels
- nip on [someone's or something's] toes
- dud
- duds
- boat anchor