top and tail

Meanings

1. The top and bottom of something.

1. To add to the beginning and end of (something), such as the salutation and valediction added to a letter.
2. To remove the top and bottom of (an item), for example when preparing carrots for cooking.
3. To set the limits of (an audio tape recording, a digital video file, etc.) by adding physical markers or by trimming unwanted portions.
4. To bathe (a small child) in a minimal way by wiping their face and bottom.
5. To provide (a train) with a locomotive at each end, for ease of reversal.

1. Lined up in alternating directions; (of humans specifically) lying side-by-side with each person's head by their neighbours' feet.
2. With a locomotive at each end.