stab in the back
Related to stab in the back: stab someone in the back
a stab in the back
A betrayal; an act of treachery. It felt like a stab in the back to hear that Paul was going out with my ex-girlfriend. The campaign coordinator's mid-race shift of allegiance will be quite a stab in the back for the incumbent president.
See also: back, stab
stab (one) in the back
To betray someone's confidence or trust. These companies all want to pretend like they're your friend, but they'll stab you in the back the moment it makes financial sense for them. The gangster's second in command stabbed him in the back to assume control over the entire criminal organization.
See also: back, stab
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
stab someone in the back
1. Lit. to thrust a knife into someone's back. Max planned to stab his hostage in the back if he screamed. The murderer stabbed his victim in the back and fled.
2. Fig. to betray someone. I wish you would not gossip about me. There is no need to stab me in the back.
See also: back, stab
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
stab (someone) in the back
To harm (someone) by treachery or betrayal of trust.
See also: back, stab
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
stab in the back, a
A treacherous attack. Surprisingly, this term has been used figuratively only since the early twentieth century; literally it must be as old as the word “stab” (fourteenth century). Rudyard Kipling used it in Limits and Renewals (1932): “He . . . stabs me in the back with his crazy schemes for betterment.”
See also: stab
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- a stab in the back
- stab in the back, a
- a knife in the back
- nickel nurser
- send (a) mixed message(s)
- send (a) mixed signal(s)
- book (on) out
- book on out
- book out
- booking