see the back of

Idioms

Be finished with, as in I hope we've seen the back of Betsy; she is terribly rude. This idiom transfers literally seeing someone's back because they are leaving to a more figurative and permanent departure. Also see see the last of.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meanwhile, Wolves will be glad to see the back of De Bruyne as the midfielder has now scored six goals and provided five assists in 11 league games against them.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Or you could simply cough a few times and put a hand to your forehead; then everyone will be happy to see the back of you.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2023

"You can see the back of the stage, all the setup that they have, where the dancers prepare to come on," she says.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2023

Both teams will be happy to see the back of the 2022-23 season, but while Leeds' season may still tip into the misery of relegation, Liverpool could yet salvage something from the wreckage.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2023

She could see the back of Yoren's faded black cloak up ahead of the wagons, but she was determined not to go crying to him for help.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023