back of

Idioms  

1. Also, at the back of; in back of. Behind; also, supporting. For example, The special brands were stored back of the counter, or “Franklin stood back of me in everything I wanted to do” (Eleanor Roosevelt, quoted by Catherine Drinker Bowen, Atlantic Monthly, March 1970). The first term, dating from the late 1600s, was long criticized as an undesirable colloquialism but today is generally considered acceptable. The variants, at the back of, from about 1400, and in back of, from the early 1900s, also can be used both literally and figuratively and could be substituted for back of in either example. Also see back of beyond.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

back of

But China’s throttling back of oil imports and its use of hidden reserves to calm global crude prices were also surprises.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

The Daily Star calls it "Gary's back of the net tax".

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

On the back of the strong quarter, BNP Paribas said it would pay an interim dividend of 3.23 euros a share in September.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

Another soldier in Izium, nicknamed "Ananas", also told AFP he was pleased to see the back of Syrsky, who was known for military success but also developed a reputation for not caring about losses.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Renn wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• backward