forwards
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backward(s) and forward(s)
Back and forth; moving in one direction and then the opposite. Can be used literally to refer to something or someone moving in such a way, or figuratively to refer to a situation in which no progress is made (e.g., an argument). I was pacing backwards and forwards in my room last night, worrying about this morning's exam. The two candidates debated the gun laws backward and forward, but neither could offer a productive solution in the end.
See also: and
flash forward
1. verb To depict future events, as in a book, TV show, or movie. The show then flashes forward to connect the present and the future.
2. noun A scene or instance in a book, TV show, or movie that depicts future events. In this usage, the phrase is often hyphenated or written as one word. The show makes use of flash-forwards to connect the present and the future.
forward on
To send something on to a subsequent recipient, destination, or address. A noun or pronoun can be used between "forward" and "on." I took the liberty of forwarding on the contract to our London office. You can just forward that letter on to my attorney.
know (something) backwards and forwards
To be extremely familiar with a particular subject, field, or piece of writing, film, music, etc. I've read this book so many times, I know it backwards and forwards. You should ask Samantha about the issue—she knows car engines backwards and forwards.
know (something) forward(s) and backward(s)
To be extremely familiar with a particular subject, field, or piece of media. Primarily heard in US. I've read this book so many times, I know it forwards and backwards. Samantha knows engines forward and backward, so you should ask her about the trouble you're having with your car.
know (something) forwards and backwards
To be extremely familiar with a particular subject, field, or piece of writing, film, music, etc. Primarily heard in US. I've read this book so many times, I know it forwards and backwards. You should ask Samantha about the issue—she knows car engines forwards and backwards.
lurch forward
To move forward abruptly, jerkily, or joltingly. Suddenly, Tom lurched forward and ran to the railing so he could vomit over the side of the ship. The train lurched forward, and my coffee spilled all over my lap as a result.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
know something backwards and forwards and know something forwards and backwards
Fig. to know something very well; to know a passage of language so well that one could recite it backwards as well as forwards. Of course I've memorized my speech. I know it backwards and forwards.
lurch forward
to jerk or sway forward. The car lurched forward and shook us around. When the train lurched forward, we were pushed back into our seats.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
backward and forward
Also, backwards and forwards.
1. Same as back and forth.
2. Thoroughly, completely, as in He read the speech over and over, until he knew it backwards and forwards. [Late 1500s]
know like a book
Also, know like the back of one's hand or know backwards and forwards. Be extremely familiar with or knowledgeable about; understand perfectly. For example, I know Greg like a book-I'm sure he'll come, or I know this town like the back of my hand, or John knew his part backwards and forwards. The first of these hyperbolic idioms, dating from the early 1800s, has a close cousin in read like a book, which means "to discern someone's intent," as in I can read Greg like a book; also see under open book. The second ( back of hand) dates only from the mid-1900s. Also see backwards and forwards, def. 2; inside out, def. 2; know all the answers.
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.
know something backwards
mainly BRITISH orknow something backwards and forwards
mainly AMERICANIf you know a subject backwards, you know a lot about it. I thoroughly enjoy lecturing and know my subject backwards. He will be very much in demand. He knows the business backwards. They know company personnel policy backwards and forwards.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
know something backwards
be entirely familiar with something. 1991 William Trevor Reading Turgenev People who lived in the town knew it backwards.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
flash forward
v.
To undergo a change of scene to a future point in time as a narrative device: The first scene of the movie shows a boy playing with a ball, and then the next scene flashes forward to the character's adulthood.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.