on/off one's back

idiom

used of someone who is always or frequently criticizing or telling a person what to do
He says his wife is always on his back about doing chores around the house.
I wish he would get off my back about my grades

Examples of on/off one's back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This adds comfort on the trail by minimizing weight on one's back but tends to result in slower setup and cramped pyramid-style interiors. New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025 Lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol in the evening and avoiding sleeping on one's back have also proven to be helpful. USA TODAY, 29 June 2023

Dictionary Entries Near on/off one's back

on offense

on/off one's back

onomancy

Cite this Entry

“On/off one's back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%2Foff%20one%27s%20back. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!