Did a friend betray you? You could say they ‘stabbed you in the back.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘stabbed in the back’ means that someone close to you betrayed you. It refers to someone you know being disloyal to you, leading you into a bad situation where they benefit at your expense.
If someone stabs you in the back, they take an extreme action of betrayal against you. Typically, someone you know or someone close to you is responsible for the betrayal. Being stabbed in the back can refer to an event or unfaithful action by someone you know, damaging your reputation, finances, or well-being.
Example Usage
“I was hoping the boss was going to promote me this week. But Jim stabbed me in the back and told me I’m always late for work. So, he got the promotion instead.”
“Sheila said she wanted to help me with decorating my home. She ended up having an affair with my husband. She really stabbed me in the back.”
Have you ever been stabbed in the back by a good friend? It happens more often than you think.”
“Jason really stabbed me in the back. He ended up importing my products directly from the supplier and selling them himself.”
Origin
The expression ‘stabbed in the back’ originates from Germany in the wake of the First World War. The first recorded use of the phrase comes from a report published in December 1918. The ‘Neue Züricher Zeitung’ report features the use of the expression as follows.
“As far as the German army is concerned, the general view is summarized in these words: It was stab-in-the-back by the civilian population.”
The German army believed that the politicians who signed ‘The Treaty of Versailles’ betrayed them, even though they were hopelessly outnumbered. Still, the Germans blamed the Jewish politicians for the loss of the war, and it was a talking point raised by Hitler as he came to power some ten years later.
Phrases Similar to Stabbed in the Back
- Thrown under the bus.
Phrases Opposite to Stabbed in the Back
- Honest and upfront.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Stabbed in the back.
Ways People May Say Stabbed in the Back Incorrectly
The phrase doesn't refer to the action of stabbing someone in the back with a knife. It refers to betrayal. Using the expression to describe violence and murder is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Stabbed in the Back
You can use the phrase 'stabbed in the back' to describe someone you know working against you. The term suits social and professional use. You can use it at the office to explain how a colleague stabbed you in the back for promotion by telling the boss about you being late to work. Use it to describe how a friend went behind your back to make a decision that adversely affects your life.
'Stabbed in the back' means that someone close to you unexpectedly betrays you. You'll use it when referring to people you know and how they decided to 'throw you under the bus' so they can experience some advantage in life.