Confusing Phrases Archives

Back to the drawing-board vs Back to the salt mines

back to the drawing-board—dealing with the same matter again (because smth. has gone wrong):

back to basics—returning to the previously held fundamental principles:

back off from something—withdraw from smth. one has promised or agreed to do:

back-light—(Photography) illumination of the subject from behind to produce a highlight along its edge:

back in the saddle—back in a position of leadership or authority:

back-fire—1. (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder with a loud noise:

back drop—a trampoline stunt in which from a bounce a gymnast lands on his back and then rebounds to an erect position:

back bench, the—1. (UK Parliament) members who do not hold office:

baby-minder—a woman who takes small children into her own home and looks after them while their parents are at work:

baby blue-eyes—a delicate California herb (Nemophila menziesii) having blue flowers with dark spots:

babe in Christ—a newly-made convert to Christianity:

avoid arrest—escape being arrested: