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

England's all-time leading Test run-scorer shared stands of 68 with Ben Duckett, who made 39, and 81 with fellow Yorkshireman Harry Brook which broke the back of the reply.

From BBC

Swiatek arrived in Melbourne on the back of two singles defeats at the United Cup and was then pushed hard by Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in round one.

From Barron's

It comes off the back of an extremely successful year for Dean, who has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and five Brit Awards.

From BBC

He is described as being of large build, with scarring on the back of his head and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest.

From BBC

Fires regularly break out at the site, which is close to a busy main road and at the back of a popular countryside park and farmshop.

From BBC

Related Words

• backward