back at (something or some place)
back at (something or some place)
1. Having returned to some specific building. We should be back at our apartment by 9 PM. I wonder if Tom and the kids are already back at the house. You're back at the apartment already? Wow, how fast were you driving?
2. In some specific building that one has already left. Dang it, I forgot my briefcase back at the office. How did I leave my lunch back at home again? That's the third time this week! Oh, please tell me I didn't leave my book report back at the computer lab!
3. Having returned to some activity, especially school or work, after a hiatus. Sarah's been out sick for a week, but she said she should be back at school on Monday. I really found it hard being back at work after such a long vacation. A: "You're back at the office already?" B: "Don't remind me—that vacation was way too short!"
See also: back
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*back (some place)
returned to some place; at some place again. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; arrive ~.) I can't wait till we get back home. When will we get back? Is it much farther?
*back
(at someone) repaying someone for a bad deed. (*Typically: get ~; have ~.) Tom called me a jerk, but I'll get back at him. I don't know how I'll get back for her insult, but I will.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
back
n. one’s support or second in a fight. (From back-up.) I need a back I can depend on.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.