Usually means: Minor part controlling the whole.
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We found 7 dictionaries that define the word tail wagging the dog:

General (5 matching dictionaries)
  1. the tail wagging the dog: Merriam-Webster
  2. tail wagging the dog: Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
  3. tail wagging the dog: Wiktionary

Miscellaneous (1 matching dictionary)
  1. tail wagging the dog, the tail wagging the dog: Idioms

Slang (1 matching dictionary)
  1. the tail wagging the dog: Urban Dictionary

Definitions from Wiktionary (tail wagging the dog)

noun:  (idiomatic) A minor or secondary part of something controlling or dominating the whole or the main part.
noun:  When something powerful or important is being controlled by something that is less powerful or important.
noun:  (idiomatic, politics) To divert negative political attention by use of a military operation.

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