through the back door

through the back door

In a deceptive, corrupt, or indirect manner, especially in a way intended to reduce the visibility of an action. The school board is trying to rush this major change through the back door, and we need to fight them on it!

See also: back, door, through

by/through the back ˈdoor

in an indirect or unofficial way: She has powerful friends, so she got into the diplomatic service by the back door.

See also: back, by, door, through