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Glite Dictionary
back passage

back passage

7.2
A less-used hallway at the back of a building that people use for private or service access
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : pasillo trasero
  • Servants would often move through the back passage to avoid disturbing the guests.

Examples

  • The back passage leads to the garden.

  • We decided to use the back passage to reach the garden without being noticed.

  • During renovations, they discovered a hidden back passage behind the old bookshelf.

  • She took the back passage to avoid the crowd.

  • The staff decided to use the back passage to avoid the crowded front entrance of the building.

  • During the tour, the guide pointed out the back passage that led to the garden away from the main hall.

  • The back passage was dark and narrow, often used by employees to reach the parking lot without being seen.

Synonyms

hallway
vsback passage
  • US
459 1.0

A long narrow passage inside a building with doors to rooms

is instead a less used private route typically at the rear
corridor
vsback passage
295 2.5

A long narrow passage inside a building with doors to rooms on both sides

is a less used private route typically at the rear
passageway
vsback passage
50 3.2

A long narrow space that connects rooms or parts of a building

is more private or less used, often located at the rear

How Private

back passage
  • UK
7.2
service entrance
  • Specialized
10 3.4
corridor
295 2.5

Surface Forms

back passage singular
back passages plural

Morphology

back + passage

The meaning 'a rear or less-used corridor' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'back' (situated at the rear) with 'passage' (a passageway). This simple adjective + noun composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Back passage comes from old houses where house staff used a narrow hallway behind the main rooms to move quietly and not be seen. The words back and passage give the picture of a rear, private route, so the term now means 'a less used or private route at the rear of a building'.