ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get back at

idiom
Meaning

To retaliate against; to take revenge on.


Examples
SIMPLE

He wants to get back at his brother for breaking his toy.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent all afternoon planning how to get back at her coworker for stealing her lunch.

COMPLEX

Driven by a deep sense of betrayal, he spent years carefully plotting to get back at the man who had ruined his reputation.

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

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    back down

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

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

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

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

Last updated April 17, 2026