His coach put batteries in his back to win the game.
put batteries in someone's back
idiomTo enable, encourage, or incite, especially in order to do one's bidding; to fuel or spur.
Origin
disputed originFrom the analogy of placing batteries in a toy in order to get it to operate.
The manager put batteries in her back, motivating her to finish the project before the deadline.
The charismatic leader put batteries in the back of his followers, inciting them to challenge the status quo with newfound energy.
- 01
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 03
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 05
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 06
assault and battery
The combination of two violent crimes: assault (the threat of violence) and battery (physical violence). This legal distinction exists only in jurisdictions that distinguish assault as threatened violence rather than actual violence.
- 07
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 08
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
Last updated July 12, 2026