back
noun
Definitions of back noun
position
- A2Countable
The part of an object, vehicle, or building that is furthest from the front.
Ted was in the back area.
If no one answers at the front, go around to the back.
He quickly wrote her name on the back of an envelope.
body
- A2Countable
The part of the body opposite the front, from the shoulders to the bottom.
He was lying on his back, looking at the ceiling.
I turned my back while she got changed.
My back is hurting.
sport
- Countable
A player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
He plays left back.
Phrases of back noun
- back to front
With the rear part of something facing forward, or oriented in the opposite direction of what is usual or expected.
• You've got your shirt on back to front, the tag is in the front.
- back to back
Positioned closely together with their backs facing each other.
• The office was crowded with computers, so we had to sit back to back, forming long rows.
- the back of your hand
The dorsal surface of the hand, opposite the palm.
• She gently wiped away her tears with the back of her hand.
verb
Definitions of back verb
support
- C2Transitive
To support a person or idea with money or words.
The management has declined to back our proposals.
bet
To bet money on a horse, team, etc. to win a race, game, or competition.
The horse I backed finished last.
movement
- C2TransitiveIntransitiveVerb + adv/prep
To move or cause to move backwards.
Could you back up your car a few feet so I can drive mine out of the driveway?
Ann stopped driving after she backed the car into the garage door.
strengthen
- Transitive
To add material to the back of something to strengthen or thicken it.
The material has a very heavy lining.
adjective
Definitions of back adjective
location
- Before noun
Located at or near the back of something.
She exited the house through the back door.
The back seat of the car folds down.
payment
- Before noun
Relating to payments due from a previous time.
They owe the staff thousands of dollars in back pay.
He has a large amount of back taxes to pay.
adverb
Definitions of back adverb
return
- B2
To or towards a previous place, condition, or time.
He looked back and noticed that they were following him.
Remember to put the scissors back when you are finished using them.
Looking at her old photos brought back many memories.
response
- A2
As a response or reaction to something.
If he hits me, I will hit him back.
You’re not going to let her talk about you like that without fighting back, are you?
- A2
In response to a question, request, or message.
I'm busy now - can I call you back later?
I wrote to Donna a few months ago, but she hasn't written back yet.
distance
- B2
Further away in distance or position.
If we push the table back to the wall, we'll create more space.
"Keep back!" he yelled, "Don't come any closer!"
He sat back on the sofa.
Idioms
- back the wrong horse
To support or choose someone or something that turns out to be unsuccessful or a failure.
• I think he's backed the wrong horse again; that company doesn't seem to be doing well.
- back in the day
Referring to a time in the past, often when reminiscing about positive aspects of that period.
• Back in the day, this town was full of lush orchards.
- back to square one
To return to the starting point of a plan or task, typically because a previous effort has failed.
• If this approach doesn't work, we'll be back to square one.
- on the back burner
To postpone or delay something, often because it is not urgent or as important as other matters.
• Due to the company restructuring, our expansion plans have to be put on the back burner.
- take a back seat
To relinquish a position of primary responsibility or influence within an organization or activity, opting for a less prominent role.
• After the new management team was formed, he decided to take a back seat and let others lead.
- on the back of something
Following and resulting from a prior success.
• The studio quickly approved the sequel on the back of the first movie's success.
- back and forth
Moving repeatedly in one direction and then the opposite.
• The pendulum swung back and forth on the wall.
- someone could do something with one arm/hand tied behind his/her back
If someone can do something with one arm/hand tied behind their back, it means they can do it very easily and effortlessly.
• This job is so easy for him; he could do it with one hand tied behind his back.
- at/in the back of your mind
If something is at/in the back of your mind, it means that you are aware of it as a possibility or intention, though you are not actively focusing on it at the moment.
• I've had the idea of learning to drive at the back of my mind, but haven't had time to sign up for lessons yet.
- get off someone's back
Used to tell someone to stop criticizing or nagging you.
• Could you please get off my back! I'm doing my best.
- put/get someone's back up
To irritate or annoy someone, often causing them to become defensive or angry.
• He always says things on purpose to try and get my back up.
- have your back to/against the wall
To be in a very difficult situation with limited options or ways to act.
• With the company losing money for years, they truly have their backs to the wall now.
- be on someone's back
To persistently bother or criticize someone in an irritating manner.
• The boss is on my back about the report again; I haven't had time to get to it.
- the back of beyond
A place that is very remote and far away from any major towns or cities.
• They decided to move to the back of beyond, seeking a life of complete tranquility.
- behind someone's back
To do something secretly and unfairly, without the knowledge or consent of the person affected.
• She is always saying bad things about me behind my back.
- in back of
Located behind something; at the rear of something.
• The parking lot is in back of the building.
- have (got) someone's back
To be ready to support and defend someone; to provide assistance and protection.
• No matter what happens, I've got your back.
- on the back of someone/something
Achieving success or benefit by exploiting or depending on someone or something else.
• This startup is trying to attract customers on the back of a well-known brand's reputation.
Phrasal Verbs of back
- back off
to withdraw from a situation, typically to let others handle it independently
• During the meeting, when the conflict escalated, he decided to back off and let others make the decisions.
- back onto something
When a building's rear is oriented toward something, it is said to back onto it.
• This new apartment complex backs onto the park, allowing residents to enjoy beautiful views.
- back down
to concede error or acknowledge defeat.
• During the argument, he eventually chose to back down, acknowledging that he was wrong.
- back something up
to demonstrate that something is accurate
• His report provided evidence to back up his claims, perfectly demonstrating his point.
- back out
to reverse your decision about doing something you previously committed to
• She decided to back out of the project, leaving the team surprised.
- back away
to retreat from something or someone, typically due to fear
• Facing the fierce dog, he started to back away.
- back someone up
to assist or provide support to an individual
• In meetings, he always backs me up on my points.
- back (something) up
to operate a vehicle in reverse
• He decided to back the car up to give way to the pedestrians on the road.