B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[back to the salt mines] {informal}
Back to the job; back to work; back to work that is as hard or as unpleasant as working in a salt mine would be. — An overworked phrase, used humorously.
The lunch hour is over, boys. Back to the salt mines!
* […]
[back to the wall] or [back against the wall] {adv. phr.}
In a trap, with no way to escape; in bad trouble.
The soldiers had their backs to the wall.
He was in debt and could not get any help; his back was against the wall.
* /The team had […]
[back up] {v.}
1. To move backwards.
The train was backing up.
2. To help or be ready to help; stay behind to help; agree with and speak in support of.
Jim has joined the Boy Scouts and his father is backing him up.
* /The principal backs […]
[back-to-back] {adv.}
1. Immediately following.
The health clinic had back-to-back appointments for the new students during the first week of school.
2. Very close to, as if touching.
Sardines are always packed in the can back-to-back.
* […]
[backfire] {v.}
To misfire; to have a reverse effect from what was intended.
Mimi's gossip about the Head of the Department backfired wizen people began to mistrust her.
[backhanded compliment] {n. phr.}
A remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically.
"Not bad for a girl" the coach said, offering a backhanded compliment.
[backseat driver] {n.}, {informal}
A bossy person in a car who always tells the driver what to do.
The man who drove the car became angry with the back seat driver.
[backward]
See:
[BEND OVER BACKWARD] or [LEAN OVER BACKWARD];
[FALL OVER BACKWARDS] or [FALL OVER ONESELF].
[backward and forward] or [backwards and forwards] {adv. phr.}
To the full extent; in all details; thoroughly; completely.
He understood automobile engines backwards and forwards.
He knew basketball rules backwards and forwards.
* /I […]