turn (one's) back on (someone or something)
turn (one's) back on (someone or something)
To ignore, disregard, or exclude someone or something; to abandon, give up on, or forsake someone or something. It's clear that the company has turned its back on customers. After becoming a successful writer, Jim turned his back on all the people he used to know back home.
See also: back, on, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
turn one's back on
Deny, reject; also abandon, forsake. For example, I can't turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she's done, or He simply turned his back on them and never gave it a second thought. [c. 1400] Also see when one's back is turned.
See also: back, on, turn
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
turn your back on someone
COMMON If someone turns their back on you, they ignore you and refuse to help you. We appeal to this conference — do not turn your back on the poor. Our job is to protect children and we can't just turn our backs on them.
See also: back, on, someone, turn
turn your back on something
COMMON If you turn your back on something, you reject it or stop being involved in it. He had turned his back on his Communist past and formed a completely new party. The organisation says that young people are increasingly turning their backs on marriage.
See also: back, on, something, turn
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
turn your back on
1 ignore (someone) by turning away from them. 2 reject or abandon (a person or thing that you were previously involved with).See also: back, on, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
turn your ˈback on somebody/something
refuse to help or support somebody who needs it: She turned her back on her family when she became famous.See also: back, on, somebody, something, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- 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)
- be rough on (someone or something)