Somebody's back is turned

usgb
phrase

Someone is not looking or paying attention.

She quickly grabbed a cookie when her mother's back was turned.
Visual representation of "somebody's back is turned" - someone is not looking or paying attention

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
Visual representation of "somebody's back is turned"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

The phrase can mean someone's back is physically turned away, not just metaphorically.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
He whispered the secret while his friend's back was turned.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sneaky Action

Often used to describe taking a sneaky action without someone noticing.

Illustration for Sneaky Action
The cat stole the fish when the owner's back was turned.
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Missed Observations

Implies someone missed seeing something important while not looking.

Illustration for Missed Observations
The artist painted a mural when the city's back was turned.
Visual representation of the word "Somebody's back is turned"

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