# go behind someone's back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-behind-someone's-back
Updated: 2026-07-14

## Meaning

To talk about someone or take action without their knowledge.

## Examples

- He goes behind his manager's back to get what he wants.
- I felt hurt when my friend went behind my back and told everyone my secret after promising to keep it quiet.
- The ambitious executive went behind the CEO's back to negotiate a private deal, risking his entire career for a chance at more power.

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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.