Sting in the tail
I came to know the phrase "sting in the ｔail". I suppose it means that ending of the story is surprising.
Is this phrase a compliment to a good plot ? The ending of Murder on the Orient Express is "sting in the tail" ?

Question

Sting in the tail
I came to know the phrase "sting in the ｔail".  I suppose it means that ending of the story is surprising.
Is this phrase a compliment to a good plot ? The ending of Murder on the Orient Express is "sting in the tail" ?

Answer

I agree with John, it's not a common phrase. My understanding is that it is more unpleasant than surprising - I wouldn't use it for a pleasant surprise.

Answer

I have never heard the expression before.  Your guess that it means a surprise ending seems like a reasonable guess.