behind; behind someone's back
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
the rear; the back side
Used to describe spatial position behind an object or person.
There is a small village behind the mountain.
He stood behind me and scared me suddenly.
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The back of the building is planted with plane trees.
Please don't hide behind people's backs to gossip about them.
There is a glass window right behind the desk.
adverb
behind someone's back; privately
neutralUsed to describe actions done without the person involved being present, often with a negative connotation for gossip or secret remarks.
Say what you have to say face to face, don't gossip behind someone's back.
He always likes to speak ill of his colleagues behind their backs.
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We shouldn't discuss other people's private affairs behind their backs.
He helped me a lot behind the scenes, and I am very grateful to him.
Some things can only be said face to face, not behind someone's back.