say something behind someone's back

say (something) behind (one's) back

To discuss, gossip, or remark upon one when one is not present or listening, especially when saying something negative. I can't believe you said those things about me behind my back—I thought we were friends! She's so arrogant. If only she knew what people said behind her back.

See also: back, behind, say

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

say something behind someone's back

If someone says something about you behind your back, they say unpleasant things about you to other people. Friends were criticizing his wife behind his back. `Stop talking about me behind my back,' said Susannah, and burst into tears. Compare with go behind someone's back.

See also: back, behind, say, something

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