back and fill

phrase

1

nautical : to manage the sails of a ship so as to keep it clear of obstructions as it floats down with the current of a river or channel

2

: to take opposite positions alternately : shilly-shally

has been back and filling on the issue

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for back and fill

• basophil
• carboxyl
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill