the tail wagging the dog

Meaning

1. the tail (is) wagging the dog

   used to describe a situation in which the most important aspect is being influenced and controlled by sb / sth that is not as important

From the same entry

• on tail
• turn tail
• with your tail between your legs
• chase your tail
• can't make head nor tail of
• heads or tails
• nose to tail
• a sting in the tail
• top and tail
• tail away
• tail back