# put batteries in someone's back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-batteries-in-someones-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To enable, encourage, or incite, especially in order to do one's bidding; to fuel or spur.

## Examples

- His coach put batteries in his back to win the game.
- 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.

## Origin

From the analogy of inserting batteries into a toy to induce its operation. The expression compares the procurement of human energy or motivation to the mechanical activation of a device.

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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.