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Glite Dictionary
to have (someone's) back

to have (someone's) back

4.1
Support and protect someone in hard times
  • idiom
  • /hæv ˈsʌmwʌnz bæk/
  • Informal
translation icon : apoyar a alguien
  • Wouldn't it be something if leaders from both cities got together and had each other's back in this fight?

Examples

  • My friends always have my back when I face challenges at work.

  • In tough times, it's important to know that your family has your back.

  • She promised to have my back during the presentation, so I felt more confident.

Synonyms

to back
vsto have (someone's) back
932 1.0

To support someone or something

is about ready protection and personal support in difficult situations
to back up
vsto have (someone's) back
354 3.0

Help someone or show evidence for an idea

focuses more on protecting and being prepared to defend someone
to stand by
vsto have (someone's) back
187 3.2

Support someone through difficult times

is ready to protect and actively support someone in difficult situations

Antonyms

to betray
397 4.2

Let someone down when they need you

How Supportive

to defend
∞ 1.3
to protect
∞ 1.0
to have (someone's) back
  • Informal
4.1
to stand by
187 3.2
support
∞ 1.0
help
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

have (someone's) back infinitive
had (someone's) back past
had (someone's) back past participle
having (someone's) back present participle
has (someone's) back third person singular

Morphology

have + (someone's) + back

The phrase combines 'have' (possess/hold) with 'back' used in the sense of support, so the overall meaning 'to support or protect someone' is directly derivable from the constituents. This possessive + noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic way to express backing, so a B1 learner who knows the words would very likely infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Have (someone's) back makes you picture someone standing behind your back to protect you and help if there is trouble, so it means 'to support or protect someone'.