Imagine trusting someone completely—only to discover they’ve been talking behind your back or taking credit for your work. That sting of betrayal is what the idiom “stab someone in the back” perfectly captures. In this post, we’ll unpack what this expression means, where it came from, and how you can use it naturally in conversation.
What Does “Stab Someone in the Back” Mean?
This phrase is all about betrayal. When you “stab someone in the back,” you hurt or deceive someone who trusted you, often in secret.
It doesn’t refer to physical violence—it’s emotional or social. People use it to describe situations where loyalty and trust are broken, especially when someone pretends to be supportive but acts otherwise behind the scenes.
In short: to “stab someone in the back” means to betray a friend, partner, or colleague when they least expect it.
Where the Phrase Comes From
The idiom has roots in the literal idea of an attack from behind—a treacherous move that the victim cannot defend against. It began appearing in English literature and newspapers around the late 1800s.
Its popularity soared after World War I, when a political myth in Germany claimed the army was not defeated in battle but “stabbed in the back” by disloyal civilians and politicians.
Since then, the phrase has taken on a more personal, emotional meaning and is now a staple in everyday English to describe acts of betrayal, deceit, or broken trust.
How to Use It in a Sentence
Here are some ways people use “stab someone in the back” in real life:
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“I helped her with every project, and she stabbed me in the back by taking all the credit.”
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“It’s sad when colleagues act friendly but secretly stab each other in the back.”
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“Mark felt betrayed when his business partner stabbed him in the back during negotiations.”
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“The movie’s plot twist shows the hero being stabbed in the back by his best friend.”
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“You can’t build trust if you keep stabbing people in the back.”
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“She warned me not to trust him—apparently he’s stabbed others in the back before.”
Other Idioms That Mean the Same Thing
If you want to express betrayal or disloyalty in other ways, try these:
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Throw someone under the bus – To sacrifice or blame someone to save yourself.
Example: “He threw his assistant under the bus to avoid getting in trouble.” -
Betray someone’s trust – A direct way to say someone didn’t keep a secret or promise.
Example: “She betrayed my trust by sharing my private message.” -
Two-faced – Used for someone who pretends to be nice but secretly acts against you.
Example: “I didn’t realize how two-faced he was until I heard what he said about me.” -
Backstabber – A noun form of the idiom, meaning a person who betrays others.
Example: “Watch out for backstabbers in the office.”
My Personal Take
This idiom hits home for me. I once used it after a friend shared something I told them in confidence—it summed up the situation perfectly. “Stab someone in the back” may sound dramatic, but it captures that feeling of betrayal in just a few words. It’s powerful, emotional, and a little theatrical—just like real-life drama.
Wrapping Up: Why “Stab Someone in the Back” Still Matters
The idiom “stab someone in the back” reminds us how fragile trust can be. It paints a vivid picture of betrayal that crosses cultures and generations.
Have you used this phrase before? Or maybe you’ve been on either side of it?
💬 Share your thoughts or examples in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you use it!