'Answer Back': Understanding the Idiom

The idiom "answer back" is a phrase used to describe a situation in which someone responds in a rude or disrespectful manner. It is a verb phrase that is commonly used in informal conversations.

The context in which this phrase is used usually involves a situation in which one person has been challenged or questioned and they respond in a defiant or confrontational way.

This phrase can be used to describe someone who speaks out against authority, or someone who speaks back to someone in a rude or impolite manner.

"answer back" meaning and examples

The origin of the phrase "answer back" can be traced back to the mid-17th century, when it was commonly used to describe someone who spoke in a disrespectful or defiant manner to those in authority.

Over time, the phrase has evolved and is now used in a variety of different contexts to describe any situation in which someone responds in a rude or disrespectful way.

10 Sentences Using the Idiom "Answer Back"

  1. She was warned not to answer back to her boss, but she couldn't help herself.
  2. The student was expelled from school for answering back to the teacher.
  3. Don't answer back, just apologize and move on.
  4. He was always getting into trouble for answering back to his parents.
  5. She answered back to the customer, which resulted in her getting fired.
  6. The child refused to listen and answered back to his teacher.
  7. He was so angry that he answered back to the judge.
  8. She answered back to the police officer, which only made the situation worse.
  9. The employee was written up for answering back to his supervisor.
  10. He answered back to the interviewer, which ruined his chances of getting the job.

You might also like