ENGLISH
REFERENCE

back into

idiom
Meaning

To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.


Examples
SIMPLE

Our team backed into the playoffs after our rivals lost.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though they lost their final game, the team backed into the postseason because the other contenders also failed to win.

COMPLEX

Despite a dismal performance in the final weeks of the season, the squad backed into the championship tournament solely due to a favorable outcome in a separate match.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  3. 03

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  4. 04

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  5. 05

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  6. 06

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  7. 07

    back off

    To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

  8. 08

    back office

    The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.

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