Back of one’s hand
rejection or contempt, as in unimpressed with him, she gave the back of her hand to his suggestion. this phrase is usually the object of a verb such as give or show. [ second half of 1700s ]
back of the hand similarly means “an insult” in the term back-handed compliment (see under know like a book).
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- Back on one's feet
see: on one’s feet
- Back order
commerce. an order or part of an order waiting to be filled. to treat as a back order: we have to back-order your sofa until the new fabric arrives. historical examples the more usual custom is to give the back order the same number as the original of which it is a part. cyclopedia of […]
- Backgrounder
a briefing for the press in which an official, often from government or business, gives background information to clarify particular policies, actions, or newsworthy issues, with the understanding that the official will not be named or quoted directly in any resulting press reports. any briefing or report for the purpose of providing background information.
- Back-paddle
to propel a boat by paddling backward, as by using a stroke in the direction of stern to bow.
- Back pass
noun (soccer) a deliberate p-ss backwards to the goalkeeper historical examples hands behind the back p-ss the ball round and round, and the girl inside the ring tries to find it. jamaican song and story walter jekyll wigs in three divisions of loops at the back p-ss by, wigs in long queues, wigs in back […]