behind one's back
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There ought to be no shortage of candidates, despite the sense of having a hand tied behind one's back in taking on the responsibility.
From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2026
General Richard Dannatt, head of the army from 2006 to last year, says a lack of resources had left the military conducting operations "with at least part of one arm tied behind one's back."
From Time ● Apr. 8, 2010
The hardest of criminals will respond favorably to such treatment when genuine and done in the absence of a "big stick" behind one's back .
From Time Magazine Archive
It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one behind one's back that are absolutely and entirely true.
From Miscellaneous Aphorisms; The Soul of Man by Oscar Wilde
"This is not like you, Captain Barry, to say such things behind one's back."
From Gold Out of Celebes by Aylward Edward Dingle
