sortir par la petite porte

French

Etymology

Literally, “to go out through the little door”, i.e. the back door.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sɔʁ.tiʁ paʁ la p(ə).tit pɔʁt/

Verb

sortir par la petite porte

1. (figuratively) to leave with one's tail between one's legs (defeated; in a cowardly or miserable manner)

   Antonym: sortir par la grande porte