Back to front

adverb

The wrong way; from the back to the front instead of from the front to the back.

You've got your shirt on back to front.
Visual representation of "back to front" - The wrong way; from the back to the front instead of from the front to the back.

Often appears as...

  • put on back to front
  • wear back to front
adverb

Completely, totally or thoroughly.

I know this city back to front.
Visual representation of "back to front" - Completely, totally or thoroughly.

Often appears as...

  • know back to front
  • learn back to front
adverb

The wrong way; from the back to the front instead of from the front to the back.

You've got your shirt on back to front.
Visual representation of "back to front" - The wrong way; from the back to the front instead of from the front to the back.

Often appears as...

  • put on back to front
  • wear back to front
adverb

Completely, totally or thoroughly.

I know this city back to front.
Visual representation of "back to front" - Completely, totally or thoroughly.

Often appears as...

  • know back to front
  • learn back to front
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "back to front"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Refers to the physical position being reversed, not correct orientation.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
If your jumper is back to front, switch it around.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Mix-ups

Mixing up dressed correctly and 'back to front' can cause embarrassment.

Illustration for Common Mix-ups
Check your tag to avoid wearing your clothes back to front.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Sometimes used to describe misunderstanding or confusion beyond clothing.

Illustration for Figurative Use
You've got the instructions back to front; it's the other way.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Refers to the physical position being reversed, not correct orientation.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
If your jumper is back to front, switch it around.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Mix-ups

Mixing up dressed correctly and 'back to front' can cause embarrassment.

Illustration for Common Mix-ups
Check your tag to avoid wearing your clothes back to front.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Sometimes used to describe misunderstanding or confusion beyond clothing.

Illustration for Figurative Use
You've got the instructions back to front; it's the other way.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Refers to the physical position being reversed, not correct orientation.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
If your jumper is back to front, switch it around.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Mix-ups

Mixing up dressed correctly and 'back to front' can cause embarrassment.

Illustration for Common Mix-ups
Check your tag to avoid wearing your clothes back to front.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Sometimes used to describe misunderstanding or confusion beyond clothing.

Illustration for Figurative Use
You've got the instructions back to front; it's the other way.
Visual representation of the word "Back to front"

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