Tiger By The Tail

1. An idiom referring to a situation where you're screwed no matter what you do; if you're literally holding a tiger by the tail, it won't attack you - until you let go of its tail. But you have to let go in order to run from it, and it WILL chase you down.
2. A song by country singer "Buck" Owens. Arguably his signature song.

I've got a tiger by the tail, it's plain to see
I won't be much when you get through with me
Well, I'm losing weight and turning mighty pale
Looks like I've got a tiger by the tail

by Ubeenbamboozledson May 29, 2022

catch a tiger by the tail

Something too difficult to manage or cope with.
This colorful metaphor conjures up the image of grabbing a powerful but fierce animal by the tail, only to have it turn on one.

You know nothing about the commodities market; you'll end up catch a tiger by the tail.

by nootka2 March 20, 2010