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

Browse Nearby Words

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 10 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster