He keeps his old tractor in the back forty.
back forty
idiomThe most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
Origin
disputed originFrom back + forty, meaning “back side of a farm”. In the Homestead Acts (1860s–), farmers were granted a quarter section; a section was nominally 1 square mile containing 640 acres, a quarter section was 160 acres, and the quarter section was itself subdivided into four quarter-quarter sections of 40 acres each: two front forty and two back forty. Compare north forty, back of beyond, backcountry, and backwater.
We rarely visit the back forty of the property because the weeds are too tall.
The explorer ventured into the back forty of the estate, where the dense forest had reclaimed the land long ago.
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all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 03
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 04
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 05
back into
To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.
- 06
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 07
back off
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
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back office
The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.