пасть духом(The troops had their tails down and there was no confidence in the higher command. – Войска пали духом, утратив всякую веру в высшее командование. VLZ_58)
абсурдная ситуация(когда все происходит наоборот; She found herself explaining the new therapy to her doctor – a real case of the tail wagging the dog. Val_Ships)