PhrasesHub

The back of beyond

    Definitions

      • remote or isolated place
        Describing a place that is far away from civilization or any urban development

      • unknown or unfamiliar place
        Referring to a place that is unfamiliar or not well-known

    Examples of The back of beyond

    • She grew up in a tiny village on the back of beyond, where the closest town was miles away and there was no cell phone reception.

      This idiom is often used to describe a remote or isolated location that is far away from civilization or modern amenities. The "back of beyond" can be literal or figurative, and in this case, it refers to the poor connectivity and small size of the village where the person grew up.

    • Their romantic weekend getaway was in the back of beyond, surrounded by nature and no distractions.

      Here, "the back of beyond" is being used metaphorically to describe a peaceful and secluded location, away from the noise and bustle of city life.

    • I used to live in a tiny apartment in the heart of the city, but now I've moved to a house on the outskirts of town, in the back of beyond.

      This is an example of using "the back of beyond" to describe a change in lifestyle or location, moving from a crowded urban area to a more rural and isolated place.

    • I took a hiking trip to the back of beyond and was completely disconnected from the world for a week.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a physical location that is remote and hard to reach, making it a perfect setting for disconnecting from technology and other distractions.

    • She grew up in a small village so remote that her hometown felt like the back of beyond.

      This idiom is used to describe a place that is extremely isolated and far away from civilization. The phrase "back of beyond" refers to the farthest possible point that one could possibly reach, suggesting not just remoteness but also a complete lack of civilization or modern amenities.

    • After getting lost in the dense forest, they stumbled upon a cabin that seemed like it was located somewhere in the back of beyond.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a place that is difficult to locate or find, as well as how it can be used to describe a place that seems to be completely cut off from the rest of the world. The use of "somewhere" instead of a specific location further adds to the idea of total isolation.

    • The mountain ranger warned them that there was no cell service or Wi-Fi in that part of the woods, making it feel like they had been transported to the back of beyond.

      In this example, we see how the idiom can also be used to describe a place or situation that lacks modern conveniences, such as technology or services. The complete lack of connectivity to the outside world underscores the idea that this place is truly isolated and removed from modern society.

    • When the group finally emerged from the forest, they breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they had successfully escaped the back of beyond.

      This final example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a place or situation that a person is glad to have escaped, suggestive of the danger and difficulties that lie beyond the reaches of civilization. The phrase "back of beyond" has coming-of-age or survival connotation due to the sense of danger and isolation it implies.


    Conclusion

    "The back of beyond" is used to describe a place that is extremely remote, isolated, or unfamiliar. It is often used to convey a sense of distance from civilization or urban development. The idiom can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, to refer to physical locations as well as abstract or unfamiliar situations.

    Origin of "The back of beyond"

    The origin of the idiom "the back of beyond" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. The word "beyond" is used to indicate a place that is farther than the usual or expected location, while "back" implies a sense of distance or remoteness. The idiom likely emerged from the idea of being so far away from civilization that one is literally at the "back" of all that is known or familiar. Over time, it has become a commonly used phrase to describe remote or unfamiliar places. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation.