1868, back panel on a wagon, hinged to swing down and open, from tail (n.1) + gate (n.). Extended by 1950 to hatchback door on an automobile. The verb (also tailgate) meaning "to drive too close behind another vehicle" is from 1951 ("Truck drivers know the practice of following too close as tail-gating" - "Popular Science," Jan. 1952); as an adjective, in reference to the open tail-gate of a parked car as a setting for a party or picnic, from 1958. Related: Tail-gating.
双语例句
1. When in danger, the anteater lashes its tail round a branch.
遇有危险，食蚁兽会迅速用尾巴卷住树枝。
来自柯林斯例句
2. I couldn't make head nor tail of the damn film.
这部该死的影片我一点儿都看不懂。
来自柯林斯例句
3. She stood watching the car's tail-lights disappear down the drive.
她站在那儿，望着小汽车的尾灯消失在车道尽头。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The boys wore black tail coats in mourning for George III.
男孩身穿黑色燕尾服为乔治三世服丧。
来自柯林斯例句
5. It has a short stumpy tail covered with bristles.
