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

To be 'my lady'd' all the time when there's no need of it, and then to be laughed at behind one's back; no, I shouldn't like it at all.

From Villa Eden: The Country-House on the Rhine by Auerbach, Berthold

One's sharp eyes can't see behind one's back.

From Israel Potter by Melville, Herman