behind back

behind (one's) back

In one's absence. The phrase typically suggests wrongdoing or deceit. I can't believe you were gossiping about me behind my back! Tom will be upset that we already made the decision behind his back.
See also: back, behind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

behind someone's back

without someone's knowledge; secret from someone. Please don't talk about me behind my back. She sold the car behind his back, while he was away on vacation.
See also: back, behind
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

behind (one's) back

In one's absence or without one's knowledge.
See also: back, behind
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • behind (one's) back
  • behind somebody's back
  • behind someone's back
  • do something behind someone's back
  • go behind (one's) back
  • go behind back
  • go behind someone's back
  • burner
  • back burner
  • backburner
References in periodicals archive
* From sitting position, have participant clasp hands behind back. Then have him/her lean forward slightly, as far as possible, while lifting hands up as far as possible.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS Warming Up to Recreational Activities
Husband Philip, hands behind back, must have been in knots watching his wife implode.
Public wail of grief from this private woman
In their most recent meeting in 2014 the friendly fixture finished 1-1 but that came on the one behind back anyone LISA back of some significant victories for the Scots, including an 8-1 trouncing in Portugal in 2003.
A UNITED AFFRONT; EURO 2017 SCOTLAND v PORTUGAL Evans: We all know losing 6-0 to Auld Enemy isn't good enough so there's no in-fighting
The first is Udontdodou, who failed to do himself justice at Catterick last week and can leave that form miles behind back at a more suitable track.
Udontdodou a massive price at 22-1
MalacaAaAaAeA~ang spokesman Edwin Lacierda is right when he said (finge crossed behind back) that the President can give orders all the way down to any government official.
Unchained melody, mitosis, and Cinderella
The basic Rupert figure shown here, model number 2694 (arms behind back) was frequently traded for around pounds 250 but today an auction price would be around pounds 50-pounds 80.
TREASURE HUNTERS
There was nowhere to move to but his attitude was to physically push the people behind back - not sensible.
Letter: Viewpoints - CIA needs to organise itself to treat fans with respect
On toes or knees, and with hands behind the head or behind back, slowly roll down the ball.
Fighting fit
The managers who get behind Back to the Shop Floor are supporting the vital work of Marie Curie nurses.
Letter: Your Say - Bosses get back to the shop floor
The managers who get behind Back To The Shop Floor will be supporting this work.
Letter: yourLETTERS - Back to the floor
Philip Hobbs's charge is the 5-2 second favourite with Ladbrokes after finishing a respectable fourth behind Back In Front in the Bula Hurdle last time.
Racing: Festive gift for Noel?
I promise this will be my last recollection of the Carling Cup Final (fingers crossed behind back.) I saw opportunism at its best.
Boro have friends in high places
Taaffe's charge lined up at last year's Cheltenham Festival and ran a fine race to be second in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle behind Back In Front.
Novice star's Festival setback
Drop left hand behind back and rest it on lower back or right hip.
Get your mind and body in shape with a yoga routine