back up the truck
To take advantage of favourable pricing by purchasing a large amount.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The stock price is very low, so I will back up the truck.”
“Gas is cheap today, so I back up the truck and fill every container.”
“Smart investors back up the truck whenever the housing market crashes.”
“When the store announced a massive clearance sale, the shoppers backed up the truck to stock their pantries for the winter.”
“The company decided to back up the truck when the cost of raw materials hit a five-year low last month.”
“If you see your favorite coffee brand at half price, you should back up the truck and buy several boxes.”
“Seeing the sudden collapse in asset prices, the institutional investors backed up the truck, acquiring massive positions while the market remained in a state of panic.”
Attested as a metaphor for aggressive accumulation, the phrase originates from the practical image of positioning a truck at a location to be loaded with goods. It describes the preparation for a significant transfer of assets or inventory.
- 01
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 forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 04
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 05
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 06
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.
- 07
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 08
back off
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
Last updated August 10, 2026