# bring up the rear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bring-up-the-rear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be last in a moving line of people, to walk or go behind others in a line.

## Examples

- The youngest child always brings up the rear during our family walks.
- As the group hiked up the steep mountain trail, the tired hiker decided to bring up the rear.
- While the experienced guides led the expedition through the dense forest, the photographer chose to bring up the rear to capture the scenery without being rushed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.