Meaning
Hold a wild risk or force, can't let go.
Origin
From 20th-century America, tied to slang; 'tiger by tail' for risk, by 1930s in a tale for grab. A 1940s 'Time' uses it for a bind.
Usage Examples
- He's got a tiger by the tail; big risk!
- Have a tiger by the tail-can't drop.
- Tiger tail; wild ride.