To put one's back up

To put one's back up
Back Back (b[a^]k), n. [AS. b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b[=e]g[u^] flight. Cf. {Bacon}.] 1. In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster. [1913 Webster]

2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge. [1913 Webster]

[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave Into the clouds. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail. [1913 Webster]

Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this, Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss. --Donne. [1913 Webster]

4. The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney. [1913 Webster]

5. The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village. [1913 Webster]

6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw. [1913 Webster]

7. A support or resource in reserve. [1913 Webster]

This project Should have a back or second, that might hold, If this should blast in proof. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship. [1913 Webster]

9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage. [1913 Webster]

10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

A bak to walken inne by daylight. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Behind one's back}, when one is absent; without one's knowledge; as, to ridicule a person behind his back.

{Full back}, {Half back}, {Quarter back} (Football), players stationed behind those in the front line.

{To be on one's back} or {To lie on one's back}, to be helpless.

{To put one's back up} or {to get one's back up}, to assume an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a cat when attacked). [Colloq.]

{To see the back of}, to get rid of.

{To turn the back}, to go away; to flee.

{To turn the back on one}, to forsake or neglect him. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • put one's back into — To put great effort into • • • Main Entry: ↑back * * * approach (a task) with vigor …   Useful english dictionary

  • put one's back into — ► put one s back into approach (a task) with vigour. Main Entry: ↑back …   English terms dictionary

  • put one's back to it — {v. phr.} To make a real effort; to try. * /You can finish the job by noon if you put your back to it./ * /I m sure you can make the football team if you put your back to it./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • put one's back to it — {v. phr.} To make a real effort; to try. * /You can finish the job by noon if you put your back to it./ * /I m sure you can make the football team if you put your back to it./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • put\ one's\ back\ to\ it — v. phr. To make a real effort; to try. You can finish the job by noon if you put your back to it. I m sure you can make the football team if you put your back to it …   Словарь американских идиом

  • put one's back into — verb To make a strenuous effort to do something. When he puts his back into the work, he gets quite a lot done …   Wiktionary

  • put one's back into — approach (a task) with vigour. → back …   English new terms dictionary

  • put one's back up —  Irritate or antagonise one …   A concise dictionary of English slang

  • to get one's back up — Back Back (b[a^]k), n. [AS. b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b[=e]g[u^] flight. Cf. {Bacon}.] 1. In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • put the clocks back — (or forward) adjust clocks or watches backward (or forward) to take account of official changes in time * * * put the clocks forward/back idiom (BrE) (NAmE set/move the clocks ahead/back) to change the time shown by clocks, usually by one hour,… …   Useful english dictionary

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