see the back of
Watch someone leave
To see the back of someone or something is to be rid of them, to watch them leave for good: I'll be glad to see the back of this winter.
The phrase captures the image of someone departing—you see their back as they go.
Usually expresses relief at a departure: We were happy to see the back of that manager.
Leave-taking expression
- goodbyeDeparting salutation
- leave-takingAct of saying goodbye
- partingAct of leaving another
- send-offFarewell gathering or party
see off · wave goodbye · exit · going away · moving on · leaving behind · saying goodbye · walking away
Joy at removal
- over and doneTotally completed, ended
- no moreQuantity has ended
- finished withNo longer needing
- escapedGot away from confinement
closure · never again · kicked out · expelled · banished
farewell
Leave-taking expression
- goodbyeDeparting salutation
- leave-takingAct of saying goodbye
- partingAct of leaving another
send-off · see off · wave goodbye · exit · going away · moving on · leaving behind · saying goodbye · walking away · departure gate
good riddance
Joy at removal
- over and doneTotally completed, ended
- no moreQuantity has ended
- finished withNo longer needing
escaped · closure · never again · kicked out · expelled · banished