Turn your back on somebody/something
verb phrase
To ignore or abandon someone or something.
After all the help she offered to him, he simply turned his back on her.
Often appears as...
- turn your back on a friend
- turn your back on your responsibilities
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To directly go against or reject something you used to support or believe in.
He turned his back on the beliefs he was brought up with.
Often appears as...
- turn your back on your faith
- turn your back on your values
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
With your back towards someone or something, especially when they are talking to you and you are not listening.
She turned her back on him and walked away.
Often appears as...
- turn your back and walk away
- turn your back during a conversation
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To ignore or abandon someone or something.
After all the help she offered to him, he simply turned his back on her.
Often appears as...
- turn your back on a friend
- turn your back on your responsibilities
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To directly go against or reject something you used to support or believe in.
He turned his back on the beliefs he was brought up with.
Often appears as...
- turn your back on your faith
- turn your back on your values
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
With your back towards someone or something, especially when they are talking to you and you are not listening.
She turned her back on him and walked away.
Often appears as...
- turn your back and walk away
- turn your back during a conversation
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
This phrase often conveys a strong sense of betrayal or disappointment.
I never expected my own brother to turn his back on me.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Context
It's often used in a negative way to show disapproval or hurt.
Can you believe she turned her back on her best friend?
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Remember, it's usually not literal; it's about neglecting or not helping.
By ignoring the cries for help, he turned his back on humanity.
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