on/off one's back

phrase

—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

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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 25 Sep. 2026.

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