back onto (something)
1. To move or maneuver something backwards onto something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "back" and "onto." Ugh, I can't believe I backed my car onto the lawn. Oops, I didn't mean to back my chair onto your coat. Uh oh, that's a bad sound. Somebody must have backed the forklift onto something in the warehouse.
2. To move or maneuver backwards, standing or resting on top of something else as a result. Did I really back onto your lawn? Whoops! A: "Did I just back onto the curb?" B: "Yeah, you're really not great at parking, are you?" Watch where you're going—you almost backed onto my flowers!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
back someone or something onto someone or something
to guide or move someone or something backwards onto someone or something. I backed the car onto the flowers accidentally. Using hand signals, the mechanic helped the driver back the car onto the ramp.
back onto someone or something
to go backwards, moving or rolling onto someone or something. The motorcycle backed onto my toe. Don't back onto anything as you go down the driveway!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.