noun
plural backs
[count] the rear part of the body :the part of the body that is opposite to the stomach and chest and that goes from the neck to the top of the legs
the part of an animal that is like a person's back
the side or surface of something that is opposite the front or face :the rear side or surface of something - usually singular
the side or surface of something (such as a piece of paper) that is not usually used or seen first - usually singular
a place, position, or area that is at or near the rear of something - usually singular
the part of a chair or seat that supports a person's back
the section of a book, magazine, etc., that includes the last pages - usually singular
the part of a book's cover that can be seen when the book is on a shelf
sports :a player in some games (such as soccer and American football) who is positioned behind the front line of players
a pat on the back
a stab in the back
at/in the back of your mind
in the part of your mind where thoughts and memories are kept - used to describe ideas, memories, etc., that someone has but that are not usually thought about or not perfectly remembered
back is to/against the wall
When your back is to/against the wall or you have your back to/against the wall you are in a bad position in which you are forced to do something in order to avoid failure.
back to back
with backs opposite or against each other
happening one after the other
back to front
of a piece of clothing :with the back where the front should be
behind someone's back
without someone's knowledge :in secret
break the back of
to get control of (something you are trying to stop or defeat) :to greatly weaken or subdue (something)
eyes in the back of your head
get your back up
to become angry or annoyed and want to fight or argue
have someone's back
see watch someone's back (below)
in back
in an area at the back of something
in back of
chiefly US :directly behind (something or someone)
on the back of
because of (something)
disapproving :by using the efforts of (other people)
on/off your back
Someone who is always or frequently criticizing you or telling you what to do is on your back and won't get off your back.
on your back
If you are (flat) on your back you are lying with your back against the ground, on a bed, etc.
out back
US or chiefly Brit out the back or round the back
in the area behind something (such as a building)
put someone's back up
to offend or annoy someone :to make someone angry or ready to argue
put your back into
to work very hard at (something) :to put a lot of effort into (something)
scratch someone's back
see the back of
In British English, to be glad/happy (etc.) to see the back of someone is to be glad to see someone finally going away.
stab (someone) in the back
the shirt off your back
turn your back
to turn so that you are facing away from someone
watch someone's back
or have someone's back
to protect someone who is doing something that is dangerous or risky
watch your back
If people tell you to watch your back, they are telling you to be careful.
adverb
in, toward, or at the back or rear
to, toward, or in the place where someone or something was previously
in or into the past :backward in time
to or toward a former state or condition
in return or reply
c - used to describe someone or something that is being held or kept from moving forward or happening
d - used to describe something that is being kept instead of being given or revealed
to or at an angle
back of
US informal :on the rear side of (something) :behind
get your own back
see get back at get
adjective
always used before a noun
of or relating to the back :located at the back
far from a central or main area
not yet paid :owed from an earlier time
published at an earlier time :no longer current
golf - used to refer to the final 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course
verb
backs; backed; backing
[+ obj] to give help to (someone) :support
to bet on (someone or something)
to provide evidence that supports (something)
to provide the money that is needed for (something)
to sing or play music that supports (a main singer or musical instrument)
to move backward [no obj]
[+ obj] :to provide (something) with a back
[no obj] :to have the back toward something
back away
[phrasal verb]
to move away from something or someone by walking backward
back down
[phrasal verb]
to stop arguing or fighting for something
back into
[phrasal verb]
back into (something) :to become involved in (something) without planning to become involved
back off
[phrasal verb]
to stop arguing or fighting for something :to back down
to decide not to do something that you had agreed to do :to back out
to stop bothering someone
back out
[phrasal verb]
to decide not to do something that you had agreed to do
back up
[phrasal verb]
to move backward
b back (a vehicle) up or back up (a vehicle) :to move (a vehicle) backward
to become blocked so that movement or flow is slowed or stopped
b back (something) up or back up (something) :to cause (something) to become blocked
back (someone or something) up or back up (someone or something) :to give help or support to (someone or something)
back (something) up or back up (something) computers :to make a copy of (a computer file or data) to protect it from being lost
US