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