Bring up the rear

Pro Tip 1/3

Physical Position

Often refers to actual physical location, being the last in line.

During the parade, the clowns entertained the crowd while bringing up the rear.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Negative

The phrase isn't always negative; it can just state a fact, without implying failure.

Even though he was bringing up the rear, his fans cheered him on enthusiastically.

Pro Tip 3/3

Idiomatic Usage

Understand it's an idiom; don't interpret it literally, like physically moving someone's rear.

When we reached the summit, I realized I was bringing up the rear of our group.