Each of us in life has difficult moments when it begins to seem that a whole series of troubles is falling on you. It can be as troubles at work, in the household, as well as problems in personal life. But precisely at such moments, the attitude of others towards you clearly appears, some will try to distance themselves from you so as not to have any business with you, while others, on the contrary, will say that you keep your tail with a gun. It is the support of loved ones at a difficult moment that matters, and not empty words at the festive table or elsewhere.
What does expression mean?
In principle, any person understands deep down that the simplest thing in a difficult moment of life is to break down and lose one's spirit. But not everyone can withstand all the tests and find a solution to existing problems.
In order to somehow encourage and inspire confidence in one's own abilities, it is customary to express one’s support with a phrase such as “keep your tail up with a gun,” which means get together and cheer up, everything will work out. And sometimes it is these words that really have a positive effect on the one to whom they are addressed.
Where did this term come from?
Mankind has long been observing the world around us, and those events that were repeated cyclically or had some special meaning for people often turned into proverbs and sayings.
A simple example is the observation of swallows that fly low before the rain above the surface of the earth. This was noticed by people and resulted in a well-known sign.
The same applies to the expression "keep your tail with a gun," the meaning of which can be rephrased as "do not lose heart." People saw that animals (dogs, cats), when they all hold their tail well, and when difficulties arise, they lower it. From this observation, a statement appeared.
In what situations is it appropriate to apply it?
The above example clearly shows how this expression is usually used in a conversation. But this does not mean that it can be used only for such cases. It is quite applicable in ordinary friendly conversation.
Let's say two friends met who had not seen each other for a long time and who had something to talk about. They sat in a cafe, talked about everything they wanted and it was time to say goodbye. And here one another says in the end: "Keep your tail with a gun." And that would be quite appropriate.
It will mean only as if she said that she should continue in the same spirit, that is, maintain her affairs at the same level. In such a situation, both of these phrases will be relevant, and will mean the same thing.