back pocket

[bak pahk-it]

noun

1. a pocket typically placed on the seat of a pair of trousers, jeans, or shorts.

2. Sports.,  a defensive position in Australian Rules football.

3. (especially in the phrase in one's back pocket) the state of being in reserve and ready for use when needed.

4. (especially in the phrase in one's back pocket) the state of being under the control of a person or organization.

Example Sentences

“I like to keep it in my back pocket that I can play other positions. But I would say the main reason is still to catch.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sniffspot is a great resource to have in my back pocket, but it’s not a catch-all solution.

From Salon

Tamura, who was a celebrated varsity high school player at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita and Granada Hills Charter in the San Fernando Valley, had a suicide note in his back pocket alleging that he suffered from CTE, a brain disease linked to head trauma, CNN reported, citing a source with knowledge of the investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s joined by his trebuchet-firing crew—young dudes in dirty jeans with chew-can rings worn into the back pocket; most study history or classics at Utah State.

From Slate

Sometimes the details are immediately useful, sometimes they go into his back pocket.

From Los Angeles Times