'To be on one's back' definitions:
Definition of 'To be on one's back'
From: GCIDE
- Back \Back\ (b[a^]k), n. [AS. b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b[=e]g[u^] flight. Cf. Bacon.]
- 1. In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster. [1913 Webster]
- 2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge. [1913 Webster]
- [The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave Into the clouds. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 3. The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail. [1913 Webster]
- Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this, Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss. --Donne. [1913 Webster]
- 4. The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney. [1913 Webster]
- 5. The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village. [1913 Webster]
- 6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw. [1913 Webster]
- 7. A support or resource in reserve. [1913 Webster]
- This project Should have a back or second, that might hold, If this should blast in proof. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship. [1913 Webster]
- 9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage. [1913 Webster]
- 10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
- A bak to walken inne by daylight. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
- Behind one's back, when one is absent; without one's knowledge; as, to ridicule a person behind his back.
- Full back, Half back, Quarter back (Football), players stationed behind those in the front line.
- To be on one's back or To lie on one's back, to be helpless.
- To put one's back up or to get one's back up, to assume an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a cat when attacked). [Colloq.]
- To see the back of, to get rid of.
- To turn the back, to go away; to flee.
- To turn the back on one, to forsake or neglect him. [1913 Webster]