The Art of Dovetailing: A Guide to Woodworking Joints and Metaphorical Fit

Dovetailing is a technique used in woodworking to join two pieces of wood together by cutting a series of interlocking "tails" on one piece and corresponding "pins" on the other. The tails and pins fit together like a puzzle, creating a strong and secure joint.

The word "dovetail" comes from the shape of the tail and pin joints, which resemble the tail feathers of a dove. This technique has been used for centuries to build furniture, cabinets, and other wooden objects that require a strong and durable joint.

In addition to its use in woodworking, the term "dovetailing" is also used metaphorically to describe the act of fitting together two or more things seamlessly, as if they were interlocking pieces of a puzzle. For example, a company might say that it is dovetailing its marketing and sales strategies to achieve better results.