by/through the back door

not in a direct, official, or honest way.

He accused the government of privatizing the health service through the back door.

• be half the dancer used to be
• be half the [dancer/writer etc.] used to be
• be half the [dancer/writer etc.] you used to be
• be half the dancer you used to be
• be half the writer used to be
• be half the writer you used to be
• be hanging over
• be hanging over you
• be happy to see the back of
• be happy to see the back of someone
• be happy to see the back of something
• be hard pressed
• be hard put
• be hard put to do something
• be hard up
• be heading for a fall
• be head over heels
• be head over heels in love
• be heavy-footed
• be heavy going
• be hell-bent on
• be hell-bent on doing something
• be hell-bent on something
• be hell on wheels
• behind back