on someone's back

on (one's) back

Constantly nagging one about something. Ugh, my mom is on my back all the time about my grades, but I just have no interest in the classes I'm taking this semester.

See also: back, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

on someone's back

Also, on someone's case. See under off someone's back.

See also: back, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

on someone's back

If someone is on your back, they are criticizing you a lot or trying to persuade you to do something. The crowd aren't forgiving — as soon as you make a mistake they're on your back. If they find out you're weak, they're on your back straight away. Compare with get off someone's back.

See also: back, on

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012