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).
Read Also:
- Back of the house
noun the kitchen and kitchen staff of a restaurant Usage Note informal cooking
- Back office
any department or office, as a private office or a department of record keeping, that is not usually seen by outsiders. Contemporary Examples Adoboli might have learned how to hide his losses during a stint in the UBS back office before he became a trader. The Hero Rogue Trader William Underhill September 15, 2011 Everyone—staff, […]
- 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 […]
- Backpack
a pack or knapsack, often of canvas or nylon, to be carried on one’s back, sometimes supported on a lightweight metal frame strapped to the body. a piece of equipment designed to be used while being carried on the back. to go on a hike, using a backpack: We went backpacking in the Adirondacks. to […]