top and tail

== English == === Noun === top and tail (plural tops and tails) The top and bottom of something. === Verb === top and tail (third-person singular simple present tops and tails or top and tails, present participle topping and tailing or top and tailing, simple past and past participle topped and tailed or top and tailed) (transitive) To add to the beginning and end of (something), such as the salutation and valediction added to a letter. (transitive) To remove the top and bottom of (an item), for example when preparing carrots for cooking. (transitive, broadcasting) To set the limits of (an audio tape recording, a digital video file, etc.) by adding physical markers or by trimming unwanted portions. (transitive, colloquial) To bathe (a small child) in a minimal way by wiping their face and bottom. (transitive, rail transport, UK) To provide (a train) with a locomotive at each end, for ease of reversal. === Adverb === top and tail (not comparable) Lined up in alternating directions; (of humans specifically) lying side-by-side with each person's head by their neighbours' feet. (rail transport, UK) With a locomotive at each end.