background
in the background
In a (literal or figurative) place where someone or something is not very noticeable. I'm not the best dancer, so the director has put me in the background for most scenes. The more new people get hired, the more I feel ignored and lost in the background!
See also: background
into the background
Into a (literal or figurative) place where someone or something is not very noticeable. I'm going to move all of our less-experienced dancers into the background for this scene. The more new people get hired, the more I get pushed into the background and ignored!
See also: background
merge into the background
To act or position oneself in such a way as not to be very noticeable to others. Not feeling comfortable as the center of attention, I prompted someone else to start talking and then merged into the background.
See also: background, merge
on background
Of information used in a news story, allowed to be published but only on conditions negotiated by the source, typically resulting in anonymity. The presidential aide agreed to give a statement to reporters on background.
See also: background, on
on deep background
Of information used in a news story, allowed to be published but without any attribution or mention of the source whatsoever. The government official would only reveal the truth of the scandal on deep background, which unfortunately meant my story would be forever disputed and discredited by members of the administration.
See also: background, deep, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
merge into the ˈbackground
(of a person) behave quietly when you are with a group of people so that they do not notice you: Nick didn’t say anything during the meeting, and it was obvious that he was desperately trying to merge into the background.See also: background, merge
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on background
For publication but without specific attribution of the source: The senator would only speak on background with the reporter about the crisis.
See also: background, on
on deep background
For publication without any attribution of the source.
See also: background, deep, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be like ships in the night
- hope not
- (I) hope not
- not for a second
- not for a minute
- not for a moment
- aint
- ain't
- not for a instant
- not for a/one minute/moment/second/instant