By/through the back door
phrase
To do something secretly or unofficially.
He couldn't get accepted to the university officially, so his parents tried to get him in through the back door by making a large donation.
Often appears as...
- slip through the back door
- come in through the back door
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
A method of obtaining a desired outcome by indirect or sneaky means.
The legislation failed in Congress, but lawmakers passed it through the back door by attaching it to an unrelated bill.
Often appears as...
- pass through the back door
- achieve through the back door
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Unprotected, vulnerable or one's weaknesses are exposed.
We've got to beef up our security. We can't leave the back door open for hackers.
Often appears as...
- leave the back door open
- close the back door
Usage tips
Negative
Idiomatic
phrase
A software or system security vulnerability that allows unauthorized access.
The malware added a backdoor to the system, allowing hackers remote access.
Often appears as...
- add a back door
- find the back door
Usage tips
Negative
Technical
phrase
To do something secretly or unofficially.
He couldn't get accepted to the university officially, so his parents tried to get him in through the back door by making a large donation.
Often appears as...
- slip through the back door
- come in through the back door
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
A method of obtaining a desired outcome by indirect or sneaky means.
The legislation failed in Congress, but lawmakers passed it through the back door by attaching it to an unrelated bill.
Often appears as...
- pass through the back door
- achieve through the back door
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Unprotected, vulnerable or one's weaknesses are exposed.
We've got to beef up our security. We can't leave the back door open for hackers.
Often appears as...
- leave the back door open
- close the back door
Usage tips
Negative
Idiomatic
phrase
A software or system security vulnerability that allows unauthorized access.
The malware added a backdoor to the system, allowing hackers remote access.
Often appears as...
- add a back door
- find the back door
Usage tips
Negative
Technical
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Secrecy Implication
Using 'through the back door' often implies something is done in secret, possibly to avoid attention.
She got her promotion through the back door, without anyone knowing.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
The phrase can have a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or improper methods.
The deal was sealed through the back door, raising questions about its legitimacy.
Pro Tip 1/2Secrecy Implication
Using 'through the back door' often implies something is done in secret, possibly to avoid attention.
She got her promotion through the back door, without anyone knowing.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
The phrase can have a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or improper methods.
The deal was sealed through the back door, raising questions about its legitimacy.
Pro Tip 1/2Secrecy Implication
Using 'through the back door' often implies something is done in secret, possibly to avoid attention.
She got her promotion through the back door, without anyone knowing.
Pro Tip 2/2Negative Connotation
The phrase can have a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or improper methods.
The deal was sealed through the back door, raising questions about its legitimacy.
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