# stab in the back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stab-in-the-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To betray (somebody).

## Examples

- He felt hurt when his friend stabbed him in the back.
- She trusted her business partner completely, but he stabbed her in the back by stealing her clients.
- After years of loyal service, he was shocked to discover that his closest colleague had stabbed him in the back to secure a promotion.

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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.