This is lesson 3 from Idiom Part 4. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 4- Lesson 3- Idioms Using “Back”
1- Turn your back on someone/something = Refuse to help or ignore someone/something.
I couldn’t believe he turned his back on me when I needed him most.
2- Get someone’s back up = To annoy or anger someone.
His constant criticism really got my back up.
3- Talk behind my back = Say negative things about someone when they’re not present.
I found out they were talking behind my back about the mistake.
4- Put your back into it = Work very hard or with great effort.
If you put your back into it, we’ll finish the job in no time.
5- At the back of my mind = A thought or concern that is always present but not fully conscious.
Even during the holiday, my unfinished project was at the back of my mind.
6- Like the back of my hand = Very well or thoroughly familiar.
I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand.
7- Take a back seat = To allow others to lead or to become less involved.
After years of leadership, she decided to take a back seat and let others take over.
8- Back and forth = Moving in one direction and then in the opposite.
They kept arguing back and forth without resolving anything.
9- Like water off a duck’s back = Something having no effect, especially criticism.
The rude comments were like water off a duck’s back to her.
10- No turning back = A point beyond which reversal is not possible.
Once we sign the contract, there’s no turning back.
11- Back on course = Returning to the right direction or plan.
After a few delays, the team is back on course to finish on time.
12- Cut back on= Reduce.
We had to cut back on expenses to stay within budget.
13- Talk behind (my) back = Speak negatively about (me) when I’m not present.
I respect people who never talk behind my back, no matter what.
14- Got your back up = Became annoyed or defensive.
She really got her back up when he questioned her work.
15- Snapped back = Replied sharply or angrily.
When criticized, he snapped back without thinking.
16- Put (his) life back together = Recover from difficulties and restore stability.
After the accident, he slowly put his life back together.
17- Through the back door = Achieved something in an unofficial or unfair way.
He found the job through the back door, thanks to a family connection.
18- Eyes in the back of (your) head = Be unusually aware of what is happening around, even behind.
Teachers seem to have eyes in the back of their heads.
19- Back the wild horse = Support someone or something unpredictable or risky.
If you vote for him, you’re backing the wild horse, he’s never consistent.
20- Back on track = Returning to the right path or plan.
After the break, we got back on track with our studies.
21- Stabbed in the back = Betrayed by someone trusted.
I felt like I was stabbed in the back when she took credit for my idea.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 4 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 4, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 4 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
