cover someone's back
Watch their rear
To cover someone's back is to protect them from unseen danger or criticism, like a soldier guarding a comrade's blind spot.
The phrase implies vigilant support—watching for threats the person can't see themselves: I'll cover your back in the meeting if anyone questions your numbers.
It often suggests mutual trust and loyalty.
- got your backOffering reliable support
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- helpAssistance given
- cooperateWork jointly with others
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
watch your six · guard · assist · prevent · dependability · allegiance · avert · solidarity · in the trenches · defend · ally · ride or die · reliability · faithfulness · collaborate · lookout · backup · team player
cover someone's backabandon
Leave behind permanently
leave someone high and dry · leave someone in the lurch · desert · forsake · throw to the wolves
cover someone's backstab in the back
Treachery against an ally
betray · backstab · double-cross · sell out · throw under the bus
cover someone's backturn traitor
cover, covers, covered, covering, coverage, covert, uncover, uncovered, discover