having someone's back
Ready to defend
Having someone's back means supporting or protecting them, especially when they face difficulty or opposition.
The image is of guarding the vulnerable area a person can't see—standing ready to defend against threats they might not anticipate.
Don't worry about the meeting tomorrow; I've got your back.
The phrase implies loyalty and reliable alliance.
- got your backOffering reliable support
- safeguardingPreventing harm or loss
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- defendingProtecting against harm
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
watch your six · shielding · reassurance · reliability · commitment · listening · rescuing · wingman · looking out for · advocacy · support system · trustworthiness · empathy · intervening · faithfulness · ride-or-die · through thick and thin · no questions asked
having someone's backlooking the other way
Deliberately ignoring wrongdoing
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