PhrasesHub

Be glad to see the back of

    Definitions

      • be relieved that someone or something is gone
        Expressing a feeling of happiness or relief that a person or thing has left or is no longer present

    Examples of Be glad to see the back of

    • I'm sure the company will be glad to see the back of the outdated office equipment.

      This idiom refers to feeling happy or relieved when someone or something leaves a situation. In this example, the company will be happy to get rid of the old equipment and replace it with newer and more efficient models.

    • After months of dealing with difficult customers, the sales team will be glad to see the back of this hectic season.

      This idiom can also refer to the end of a difficult or unpleasant situation. Here, the sales team will feel relieved when the busy period is over and they can take a break.

    • I hope my professor won't fail me, but if she does, I'll be glad to see the back of her class.

      This example shows how the idiom can also be used to refer to an unpleasant person or situation. In this case, the speaker is implying that they won't mind leaving the professor's class if they fail and have to repeat it.

    • The government has announced plans to implement stricter traffic laws, and hopefully, we'll soon be glad to see the back of dangerous drivers on our roads.

      The idiom "be glad to see the back of" can also be used to describe a situation or problem that is causing harm or danger. In this example, it's referring to reckless drivers who pose a threat to other road users.

    • John has been dealing with an annoying co-worker, Laura, for the past few months. He is eagerly waiting for her to leave on maternity leave, and says, "I'll be glad to see the back of Laura's constant chatter and endless emails once she goes on maternity leave."

      The idiom "be glad to see the back of" is used when someone wants to get rid of a person or situation that is causing annoyance, frustration, or bother. In this example, John is expressing his relief and happiness that he will no longer have to deal with Laura's constant chatter and emails once she goes on maternity leave. He wants to see her leave and never return, which is conveyed by his statement. The idiom highlights his strong feelings about the situation and the desire to move on from it. By using this idiom, John is able to express himself more colorfully and get his point across in a lively and engaging way.

    • I'm tired of my noisy neighbor's late-night parties. I can't wait to see the back of him!

      This idiom is used when someone wants a particular person to leave or stop causing problems. In this example, the speaker is saying that they are fed up with their neighbor's loud parties and is looking forward to the day when they move out or stop partying late at night.

    • The economy has been struggling for years, and it seems like there's no end in sight. I'm glad we're finally seeing the back of this recession!

      Here, the idiom is being used to express relief that a difficult or undesirable situation is coming to an end. In this example, the speaker is happy that the prolonged economic recession is finally coming to a close.

    • I've been working with this stubborn software for hours, but I'm determined to see the back of it. I'll find a solution!

      Here, the speaker is using the idiom in a more figurative way. They are frustrated with a particular software or program that seems to be causing them a lot of trouble, but they are determined to overcome the difficulties and find a way to rid themselves of it.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "be glad to see the back of" is used to indicate that someone is happy or relieved that a person or thing has departed or is no longer present. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as expressing relief when a difficult houseguest leaves, or when a challenging project at work is finally completed and no longer needs to be dealt with. The idiom is a straightforward and colorful way to convey a sense of relief or happiness at the departure or absence of someone or something.

    Origin of "Be glad to see the back of"

    The origin of the idiom "be glad to see the back of" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom. The phrase likely comes from the idea of being relieved to see the back of someone or something as they leave, similar to the feeling of relief when an unpleasant sight is no longer in view. The idiom has been in use for many years and has become a common expression in English-speaking countries. Its vivid imagery and straightforward meaning make it a popular choice for expressing feelings of relief or happiness at the departure of someone or something.

    Examples of usage can be found in literature and everyday conversation, demonstrating the enduring popularity and relevance of this colorful idiom.