Be glad, etc. to see the back of somebody/something
phrase
To feel happy or relieved when someone or something unwanted leaves or is gone.
I was glad to see the back of her after our argument.
Often appears as...
- i'm glad to see the back of
- you'll be glad to see the back of
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To feel happy or relieved when someone or something unwanted leaves or is gone.
I was glad to see the back of her after our argument.
Often appears as...
- i'm glad to see the back of
- you'll be glad to see the back of
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Relief
Use when the departure of someone or something brings a sense of relief or freedom from distress.
After the noisy construction ended, we were glad to see the back of the jackhammers and drills.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
This phrase is metaphorical and is not about physically seeing someone's back as they leave.
Once the semester was over, students were glad to see the back of their heavy textbooks.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Context
It's often used for situations that were problematic or unpleasant. Not for happy farewells.
I'll be glad to see the back of these endless team meetings - they drain my energy.
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