by/through the back door

by the back door

By deceptive, corrupt, or indirect methods. This major change came by the back door, so we definitely need to fight the school board on it.
See also: back, by, door

through the back door

In a deceptive, corrupt, or indirect manner, especially in a way intended to reduce the visibility of an action. The school board is trying to rush this major change through the back door, and we need to fight them on it!
See also: back, door, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

by the back door

or

through the back door

mainly BRITISH
COMMON If someone gets or does something by the back door or through the back door, they do it secretly, in a way that is not open and honest. They accuse the minister of trying to re-introduce selective education by the back door. They were going against the procedures that we had at the bank and were doing things through the back door. Note: Back-door can be used before a noun. They want to use civilian patrols as a back-door method of policing on the cheap.
See also: back, by, door
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

by the back door

using indirect or dishonest means to achieve an objective.
See also: back, by, door
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

by/through the back ˈdoor

in an indirect or unofficial way: She has powerful friends, so she got into the diplomatic service by the back door.
See also: back, by, door, through
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • by the back door
  • back door
  • come back and see us
  • back
  • back at (something or some place)
  • echo back to
  • be/go back to square one
  • a while back
  • back to square one
  • be back on the rails