Somebody's back is turned
phrase
Someone is not looking or paying attention.
She quickly grabbed a cookie when her mother's back was turned.
Often appears as...
- take advantage when somebody's back is turned
- do something when somebody's back is turned
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Someone is not looking or paying attention.
She quickly grabbed a cookie when her mother's back was turned.
Often appears as...
- take advantage when somebody's back is turned
- do something when somebody's back is turned
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
The phrase can mean someone's back is physically turned away, not just metaphorically.
He whispered the secret while his friend's back was turned.
Pro Tip 2/3Sneaky Action
Often used to describe taking a sneaky action without someone noticing.
The cat stole the fish when the owner's back was turned.
Pro Tip 3/3Missed Observations
Implies someone missed seeing something important while not looking.
The artist painted a mural when the city's back was turned.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
The phrase can mean someone's back is physically turned away, not just metaphorically.
He whispered the secret while his friend's back was turned.
Pro Tip 2/3Sneaky Action
Often used to describe taking a sneaky action without someone noticing.
The cat stole the fish when the owner's back was turned.
Pro Tip 3/3Missed Observations
Implies someone missed seeing something important while not looking.
The artist painted a mural when the city's back was turned.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
The phrase can mean someone's back is physically turned away, not just metaphorically.
He whispered the secret while his friend's back was turned.
Pro Tip 2/3Sneaky Action
Often used to describe taking a sneaky action without someone noticing.
The cat stole the fish when the owner's back was turned.
Pro Tip 3/3Missed Observations
Implies someone missed seeing something important while not looking.
The artist painted a mural when the city's back was turned.
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