take someone out back
To get rid of; to eliminate.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The old computer is broken, so we should take it out back.”
“He needs to take that rusty old bicycle out back.”
“The company decided to take the outdated software out back after it caused too many errors.”
“The manager realized the marketing strategy was a total failure and decided to take it out back before wasting more money.”
“If your car keeps breaking down every week, you should probably take it out back and buy a reliable new one.”
“The chef realized the new menu item was unpopular with customers, so he decided to take it out back and bring back the classic dishes instead.”
“Faced with a failing project that drained all their resources, the board decided to take it out back and end the experiment permanently.”
Derived from the practice of removing a person or a domestic animal from public view to perform a summary execution or a necessary euthanasia. The phrase suggests a functional requirement for privacy during the administration of capital punishment or the terminal care of a pet. It implies that the unpleasantness is best conducted in the relative seclusion found behind a building, away from witnesses.
- 01
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 03
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 04
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 05
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 06
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 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.
- 08
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
Last updated August 10, 2026