nape and back; rear view
Meanings
4 senses · 8 examplesnoun
nape and back; the back of the neck and the back (anatomical)
literaryAnatomical term typically used in literary, medical, or classical contexts rather than everyday speech.
His nape and back were broad with clearly defined muscle lines.
Traditional Chinese massage often focuses on regulating the neck and back areas.
noun
rear view; the back view of a person (as seen from behind)
literaryRefers to the silhouette or view of someone walking away or seen from behind. Often used in descriptive literature.
He turned and left, leaving me only with a silent rear view.
The setting sun stretched the backs of the pedestrians into long shadows.
noun
used in the idiom 项背相望 to describe a continuous stream of people moving in procession
literaryFixed literary idiom describing crowds or processions where people follow one after another in an unbroken line.
At the market, people came and went in an almost continuous stream.
The parade was mighty and vast, with people stretching back in an unbroken line as far as the eye could see.
noun
used in the phrase 望其项背 to indicate the ability to catch up to or match someone's level (usually used in negative constructions)
literaryCommonly appears as 难以望其项背 or 不能望其项背 to express that one cannot match another's achievements or stature.
This master's artistic attainments are hard for anyone to match.
His achievements in the field of mathematics are almost impossible for the younger generation to catch up to.