A stab in the back
noun
An act of betraying someone who trusted you.
After years of working together, it felt like a stab in the back when he took the promotion over me.
Often appears as...
- feel like a stab in the back
- deemed a stab in the back
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A harmful action or remark made against someone, done in a secretive or dishonest way.
Spreading rumors about me behind my back was a real stab in the back.
Often appears as...
- a real stab in the back
- felt like a stab in the back
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
An act of betraying someone who trusted you.
After years of working together, it felt like a stab in the back when he took the promotion over me.
Often appears as...
- feel like a stab in the back
- deemed a stab in the back
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A harmful action or remark made against someone, done in a secretive or dishonest way.
Spreading rumors about me behind my back was a real stab in the back.
Often appears as...
- a real stab in the back
- felt like a stab in the back
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotionally Charged
Conveys deep feelings of betrayal; often used in personal relationships and close friendships.
Finding out my best friend lied to me felt like a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 2/3Gravity of Betrayal
Indicates severe treachery; suggests a breach of trust that might have lasting impact.
His decision to sell the family business without consulting me was a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 3/3Heightened Drama
Adds dramatic effect to a situation; may exaggerate feelings to emphasize hurt.
Her taking credit for my idea at work was a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotionally Charged
Conveys deep feelings of betrayal; often used in personal relationships and close friendships.
Finding out my best friend lied to me felt like a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 2/3Gravity of Betrayal
Indicates severe treachery; suggests a breach of trust that might have lasting impact.
His decision to sell the family business without consulting me was a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 3/3Heightened Drama
Adds dramatic effect to a situation; may exaggerate feelings to emphasize hurt.
Her taking credit for my idea at work was a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotionally Charged
Conveys deep feelings of betrayal; often used in personal relationships and close friendships.
Finding out my best friend lied to me felt like a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 2/3Gravity of Betrayal
Indicates severe treachery; suggests a breach of trust that might have lasting impact.
His decision to sell the family business without consulting me was a stab in the back.
Pro Tip 3/3Heightened Drama
Adds dramatic effect to a situation; may exaggerate feelings to emphasize hurt.
Her taking credit for my idea at work was a stab in the back.
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