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Original poster

Aibu to think this doesn't make sense (behind my back)

323 replies

tccat · 14/08/2017 20:50

Having an argument with Dh about this, I say the phrase "behind my back" doesn't make sense because if something was behind your back surely it would be in front of you?
I'm getting more and more irate trying to explain my point and only dogs and dolphins can hear me
Am I right?

OP posts:
Comedyboobs · 15/08/2017 14:17

I know this one! You're looking at its backside.

Original poster
tccat · 15/08/2017 14:20

My back garden is at the back of my house, it is not behind the back of my house, if it was then that would be my front garden

OP posts:
Comedyboobs · 15/08/2017 14:22

Which way are you facing, tccat? Behind the back of your house might be your neighbours back garden.

Original poster
tccat · 15/08/2017 14:22

backside as in arse, not the side of its back 😀 my head is hurting again

OP posts:
IloveBanff · 15/08/2017 14:25

This thread is in danger of becoming slightly silly. Grin
Shame, it started off so sensibly too.

Bunnyhipsdontliegrl · 15/08/2017 14:27

Wow.. you just don't get it... do you actually pat yourself on the back, so proud to be so much smarter than everyone on this thread?

It is the same for your house.. the back of your house is a wall. The wall has 2 sides. The side that is indoor and facing the front of the house is the front, the side that is outside of the house, facing the garden is the back. The garden is at the back of the wall. The garden is behind the wall.the garden is behind the back of your house

Original poster
tccat · 15/08/2017 14:30

Aww Bunny don't be mean, I do get the meaning of the saying, I did say it was semi light hearted, although I still think I'm right 😉😉

OP posts:
LifeofClimb · 15/08/2017 14:30

It still amazes me how stupid some people are sometimes...

WhereWhyWhat · 15/08/2017 14:32

my back isnt a seperate part of me. when i say my hand is behind my back it is because it is behind the part of me currently being scratched.

So you're saying that your hand is a separate part of you?

EatTheChocolateTeapot · 15/08/2017 14:32

It is your physical back as in backbone, not back as in "at the back of the room". That's why you are getting confused.

EatTheChocolateTeapot · 15/08/2017 14:34

The inverse would be in front of your chest rather than in front of your front.

Anecdoche · 15/08/2017 14:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EatTheChocolateTeapot · 15/08/2017 14:39

the saying also exists in French and because someone's back (dos) and "at the back" (au fond) are 2 different words there is no possibility of getting confused. The French saying is:"derriere mon dos"
Sorry for the multiple posts.

Happytobefree17 · 15/08/2017 14:40

I am so glad I don't work with you OP! You would do my head in! But I'd be glad for the entertainment during breaks Grin

Datun · 15/08/2017 14:44

I totally get it. It's the sort of thing that would occupy my mind when I was a kid.

The poster who described it as, if you are walking backwards does that mean your back is going forwards, sums it up.

I'm sure there are all sorts of reasons why this isn't true, but I can completely imagine it as so.

Bunnyhipsdontliegrl · 15/08/2017 14:45

Ok. One last try. You and your husband stand up. You go behind him. Facing his back. Now both of you represent a body. He is the front of the body, you are the back. Now take a pillow and place it behind the body. Is it ever gonna be in front of the back(you?). If it does I will give you a hundred pounds. The pillow is behind you. Behind the back. Always. Unless you turn around. But your back doesn't turn around when someone is behind it...

diddl · 15/08/2017 14:45

It's just bizarre that with the use of the word "back" you thing that behind changes to front!

Good job it's usually only used in the well known phrase.

So is behind everyone else at the back of the queue the front of the queue??Grin

Bunnyhipsdontliegrl · 15/08/2017 14:46

EatTheChocolateTeapot then OP would argue that it is devant mon dos.. (in front of my back)

Mummyoflittledragon · 15/08/2017 14:48

So where are your posterior spinal muscles if not behind your back (bone?

Take your arms backwards and bend your spine whilst in the motion of doing a standing bridge. Can you tell me where your arms and head are before they hit the floor?

Tainbri · 15/08/2017 14:50

I don't get your point op Confused Wink if something is behind my back I might well be in front of it, but it is most definitely behind me not in front of me (like a person in a queue?)

Original poster
tccat · 15/08/2017 14:50

Life, it amazes me too, I can't believe people don't get it... 😉😂

OP posts:
EatTheChocolateTeapot · 15/08/2017 15:23

bunnyhipsdontliegrls the expression is indeed "derriere mon dos", I didn't make it up. Like "they are talking behind my back" is "ils parlent derrière mon dos", even though they are not literally behind my backbone.

Bunnyhipsdontliegrl · 15/08/2017 15:26

EatTheChocolateTeapot I am a native frebmnch speaker. I just meant that if OP doesn't understand behind my back, she won't understand derrierre mon dos..

Bunnyhipsdontliegrl · 15/08/2017 15:26

French speakerGrin

Mummyoflittledragon · 15/08/2017 15:34

I fully get what you are saying. I don't agree with your illogical logic.