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tail off

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tail off

to dwindle to nothing. The number of people filing for unemployment insurance is beginning to tail off. As the storms tailed off, we began to realize how much damage had been done.

See also: off, tail

tail off

to gradually lessen taper off Sales of new cars always tail off when people are worried about losing their jobs.

See also: off, tail

tail off

Also, tail away. Diminish gradually, subside, as in The fireworks tailed off into darkness. [Mid-1800s]

See also: off, tail