backbite someone—slander the reputation of smb. who is absent: People will backbite one another to any extent rather than not be amused. bite something back—hold back a remark one was about to make: She wanted to tell him her real feelings, but she bit the words back.
Category: Confusing Phrases
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 vs Back to square one
back to basics—returning to the previously held fundamental principles:
Back off from something vs Back out of something
back off from something—withdraw from smth. one has promised or agreed to do:
Back-light vs Background light
back-light—(Photography) illumination of the subject from behind to produce a highlight along its edge:
Back in the saddle vs Back on track
back in the saddle—back in a position of leadership or authority:
Back-fire vs Fire back
back-fire—1. (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder with a loud noise:
Back drop vs Backdrop
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 vs Back seat
back bench, the—1. (UK Parliament) members who do not hold office:
Baby-minder vs Babysitter
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 vs Blue-eyed babies
baby blue-eyes—a delicate California herb (Nemophila menziesii) having blue flowers with dark spots:
Babe in Christ vs Child of God
babe in Christ—a newly-made convert to Christianity: