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
Just like Miss Lee," said I. "She is not one to listen to the slanders of an enemy, behind one's back.
From The Monctons A Novel: Volume 2 (of 2) by Moodie, Susanna
That fellow"—he addressed himself in English to Mrs. Gould—"is always stealing up behind one's back on his bare feet.
From Nostromo, a Tale of the Seaboard by Conrad, Joseph
