see the back of

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase see the back of, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression see the back of used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "see the back of"

Meaning

To "see the back of" something or someone is a phrase used to describe the act of getting rid of, or eliminating a person or thing. In this context, the phrase implies that the person or thing is so far away that they are outside of your reach, and you no longer need to worry about them. It implies that you are successfully rid of the person or thing and that there is no longer a need to deal with them or any of the problems they were associated with.

Etymology

The phrase “see the back of” is an idiomatic expression and has been in use since at least the 19th century. It likely originated as a military term, meaning to watch a retreating enemy, as the enemy moves further away, they become less of a threat, and it can be assumed they will no longer cause any problems. It is probable that this phrase was adapted into everyday language as a way to express the desire to be rid of a person or thing.

Usage

The phrase “see the back of” is commonly used in both spoken and written English, often in the context of wanting to be rid of a person or thing which is causing problems. This phrase is commonly used to express the hope that a person or thing is gone for good, and the associated problems are over. It can also be used to describe the act of actually getting rid of a person or thing, providing a sense of satisfaction that the problem has finally been solved. The phrase can often be found in the context of celebrating a victory over a particularly difficult person or problem.

Example Sentences

• We can't wait to see the back of this virus so we can get back to our normal lives.
• We finally saw the back of our old landlord, and it was such a relief to not have to deal with them anymore.
• We're hoping that these protests will cause the government to see the back of this unpopular policy.

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.