stabs in the back

Acts of treachery

Stabs in the back is the third-person singular of stab in the back, meaning to betray someone who trusts you.

The image is of attacking someone from behind while they face forward unsuspecting: He stabs in the back everyone who helps him.

The phrase emphasizes treachery—harm inflicted by someone positioned as a friend or ally.

Related

Judas Iscariot · betrayal · et tu Brute · treason · double agent · double-crossing · sold out · heartbreak · Brutus · Ides of March · deceit · sabotage · mistrust · duplicity · backstabbing · thrown under the bus · resentment · anger

Opposites
loyalty and trustworthiness

stabs in the backstands by

Supports or awaits action

has someone's back · defends · stands up for · champions

supportive vs. harmful action

stabs in the backbuilds up

Accumulates gradually

backs up · champions · empowers · elevates · props up

Family

stab, stabs, stabbed, stabbing, stabber, stabbers, back, backs, backed

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG