the tail wagging the dog
if you describe a situation as the tail wagging the dog, you mean that the least important part of a situation has too much influence over the most important part

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

tail wagging the dog
if you describe a situation as the tail wagging the dog, you mean that the least important part of a situation has too much influence over the most important part.
Steve thinks we should buy an orange carpet to match the lampshade but I think that would be a case of the tail wagging the dog.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

tail wagging the dog
a situation where a small part controls the whole thing
It is like the tail wagging the dog when the receptionist is able to control everything in the office.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲