go behind back

go behind (one's) back

To do something in one's absence. The phrase typically suggests wrongdoing or deceit. I can't believe you went behind my back and gossiped about me! Tom will be upset that we've gone behind his back and made the decision.
See also: back, behind, go
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go behind someone's back

 
1. Lit. to move behind someone; to locate oneself at someone's back. The mugger went behind my back and put a gun to my spine. Bob went behind my back and pushed me through the opening.
2. Fig. to do something that is kept a secret from someone affected by it. I hate to go behind her back, but she makes so much trouble about things like this. Please don't try to go behind my back again!
See also: back, behind, go
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • go behind (one's) back
  • go behind someone's back
  • behind (one's) back
  • behind back
  • behind somebody's back
  • behind someone's back
  • do something behind someone's back
  • eggs is eggs
  • back burner
  • backburner
References in periodicals archive
"I don't use social media and I'm not the type of person to go behind backs and speak.
WALK TALL; GARY STAYS LOYAL THROUGH AND THROUGH - DESPITE BEING FROZEN OUT BY ALAN STUBBS
"I'm not the type of person to go behind backs to the manager - I won't be a spy for anyone.
FOOTBALL: I'M NOT JUST HERE FOR THE BEER SAYS TERRY McDERMOTT (SOCIAL CONVENOR)