place behind

place behind (someone or something)

1. To set someone or something at a position directly to the rear of someone or something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "place" and "behind." You can just place the mirror behind the sofa for the time being—we're still not sure where we're going to hang it. The teacher placed me behind the others for the choir performance because I was so much taller than them.
2. By extension, to value on someone or something to a lesser degree, or to regard someone or something less highly or favorably, than someone or something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "place" and "behind." You really shouldn't place the needs of your family behind the needs of your family. I always felt like Mom placed Tommy and I behind our baby brother when we were growing up.
3. By extension, to achieve a rank that is lower someone or something in a contest or competition. He was favored to win the whole tournament, but he ended up placing behind the sixth seed. Sarah and I have been rivals in tennis for years, but I keep placing behind her in recent competitions.
See also: behind, place
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

place someone or something behind someone or something

 
1. to move someone or something to a place behind or to the rear of someone or something else. Place the taller boy behind John in the second row. Place the iris behind the nasturtium.
2. to rank or estimate someone or something behind someone or something else. I would place George behind Fred in this contest. Frank placed the white horse well behind the black one in the race.
See also: behind, place
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • bear off from (someone or something)
  • be/have done with somebody/something
  • be in line with (someone or something)
  • better of
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • begin with
  • begin with (someone or something)
  • bird has flown, the
  • beware of
  • beware of (someone or something)
References in classic literature
Tempered in blood, and tempered by lightning are these barbs; and I swear to temper them triply in that hot place behind the fin, where the white whale most feels his accursed life!
Moby Dick LXVIII CXXXIV
In a few minutes he moved from his place and went home to Lesser Hill, fully determined that seven o'clock would find him in some hidden place behind Diana's Grove.
Lair of the White Worm
No one was in sight, yet immediately we passed the first door it slid gently into place behind us and receded rapidly to its original position in the front wall of the building.
Princess of Mars
There he sat, in his place behind her, to all appearance spell-bound by the fascinations of the graceful dancer.
The Two Destinies
"What am I to do after I have taken my place behind him?"
Law and the Lady
The cavalcade, having moved rapidly on, was even then far in advance; but it did not take the Sawhorse long to catch up with it, and presently the Scarecrow was riding in his accustomed place behind Ozma's chariot.
Ozma of Oz
Planchet took place behind his master, and kept at a distance of ten paces from him.
Three Musketeers
Without a word he picked her up and lifted her to her place behind the Englishman.
Tarzan the Untamed
With a word of apology, the man came round from his place behind the mahogany counter.
The Illustrious Prince
In the interval between the footman's closing the door and taking his place behind she raised her smiling brown eyes to his face, observing, playfully, - 'I fear you must think me very insensible, Frederick: I know it is the custom for ladies to cry on these occasions, but I couldn't squeeze a tear for my life.'
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
squire,” cried Benjamin, who had now entered and taken his place behind the Judge’s chair, a little aside withal, in order to be ready for any observation like the present; “look aloft, sir, look aloft.
Pioneers
But the boat had soon carried them on and left the place behind.
The Voyage Out
For just an instant he hesitated, standing there trembling and with bared fangs, glaring at his foe; but he was well trained and had been out with me quite as much as he had with Bowen--in fact, I had had most to do with his early training; then he walked slowly and very stiff-legged to his place behind me.
The People That Time Forgot
The Someone Like You singer is in second place behind Pink in the poll conducted by national digital station Jack Radio, which plays music exclusively by female artists.
Poll: UK's favourite female artist is Pink; UK & WORLD
Austrian Dominic Thiem, whom Nadal beat in Sunday's final, keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer, who went down to the Spaniard in the last-four on his first appearance in Paris since 2015.
Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal still lagging Novak Djokovic in rankings