Idioms Beginning with B

Idioms and Phrases: Unraveling the Meanings Behind the Expressions

Explore the fascinating world of idioms and phrases that enrich our language and communication. This comprehensive collection showcases a diverse range of idiomatic expressions, their meanings, and illustrative examples. Dive in to enhance your understanding and appreciation of these colourful sayings that add depth and nuance to everyday conversations.

Idiom Index

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Idiom	Explanation	Example
Back drop	Refers to a scenic element in theatre that provides context for a performance or, metaphorically, the setting in which an event occurs.	The beautiful mountain range served as a stunning backdrop for their wedding ceremony.
Back-fire	Means that a plan or action produces unintended and often counterproductive consequences. It can also refer to mechanical failures in engines or firearms, where an explosion occurs backward.	His attempt to cut costs by reducing staff back-fired when productivity plummeted, leading to greater expenses.
Back in the saddle	Indicates a return to a position of authority or resuming a previous role after a hiatus or setback.	After a long recovery, he was back in the saddle, leading the team once again.
Back on track	Refers to returning to normal activities or restoring order after a setback or distraction.	Following the unexpected delays, the project is finally back on track for completion next month.
Back-light	In photography, this refers to illumination from behind the subject, creating a highlight along its edge.	The portrait was enhanced by a strong back-light, giving it a beautiful halo effect.
Background light	Refers to lighting used in photography to illuminate the set or background, enhancing visibility and ambiance.	The photographer adjusted the background light to ensure the entire scene was well-lit.
Back off from something	To withdraw from a commitment or promise that one has made, often suggesting reluctance or reconsideration.	He decided to back off from the negotiation when the terms changed significantly.
Back out of something	Means to withdraw or move out of a commitment, either physically or by changing one’s mind.	She regretted her decision to back out of the agreement at the last minute.
Back to basics	Refers to returning to fundamental principles or simpler methods after a period of complexity or distraction.	In her quest for a healthier lifestyle, she decided to go back to basics with whole foods and exercise.
Back to square one	Indicates returning to the starting point after a failure or setback in progress.	After the project was rejected, we were back to square one in our planning.

Idiom	Explanation	Example
Back to the drawing-board	Refers to starting over on a task or project after it has failed or encountered major issues. The idea is to rethink and revise the plan entirely.	After the client rejected our design, we had to go back to the drawing-board and come up with a new concept.
Back to the salt mines	Returning to hard or unpleasant work, often used humorously to express the feeling of dread or reluctance towards one’s job or duties.	The weekend is over, and it’s time to get back to the salt mines on Monday morning.
Backbite someone	To speak negatively or slander someone behind their back, usually when they are not present to defend themselves.	It’s unfortunate how often people will backbite someone when they’re not around to hear it.
Bite something back	To suppress a comment or reaction, often because it would be inappropriate or hurtful to say.	She was about to criticise his idea, but bit her words back to avoid an argument.
Backtrack on something	To reverse or retract a statement, promise, or policy, often due to pressure or changing circumstances.	After public backlash, the politician had to backtrack on his promise to lower taxes.
Track back to something	To follow an issue or situation back to its source or origin in order to understand the cause.	We need to track back to the initial decision to find out where things went wrong.
Backwoodsman	A person who lives in or is from a rural, undeveloped area, often implying they are unrefined or lacking in sophistication.	The backwoodsman lived a simple life, far from the hustle of modern cities.
Woodsman	A person who works, hunts, or spends a lot of time in the forest, often skilled in woodcraft.	As a seasoned woodsman, he knew the forest paths better than anyone.
Bad apple	A person whose negative behaviour influences others in a group, potentially causing trouble or conflict.	The team worked well together until a bad apple was hired, and the atmosphere changed completely.
Bad egg	A person of bad character or someone who is untrustworthy or problematic.	No one wanted to do business with him because he had a reputation for being a bad egg.
Bad blood	Ongoing hostility or resentment between individuals or groups, often due to past conflicts or grievances.	There had been bad blood between the two families for years, making any reconciliation difficult.
Fresh blood	New people brought into a group or organisation, expected to bring in fresh ideas or energy.	The company needed fresh blood to drive innovation and keep up with the competition.
Bad boy	A person, often a man, who breaks rules or social norms, sometimes with a rebellious or charming quality.	He had always been a bit of a bad boy, but that only seemed to make him more attractive to others.
Bad man	A man of wicked or immoral character, often involved in illegal or harmful activities.	He was known as a bad man, feared by everyone in town due to his violent temper and criminal ties.

Idiom Index

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z MIX

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