The phrase “bring up the rear” is a common idiom that has been used in the English language for centuries. It is often used in various contexts and has different meanings depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and different meanings of this phrase.
Definitions
The phrase “bring up the rear” means to be the last person or thing in a group, procession, or line. It can also mean to be the one who is responsible for ensuring that everything is in order and no one is left behind.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “bring up the rear” can be traced back to the military. In battles, soldiers would march in a line, and the last soldier was responsible for ensuring that no one was left behind. If someone fell behind, it was the responsibility of the person bringing up the rear to help them catch up.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase “bring up the rear” means “to be the last in a procession or line, or to be responsible for ensuring that no one is left behind.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to be the last in a line or group.”
Associations
The phrase “bring up the rear” is often associated with the military, but it can also be used in other contexts. For example, it can be used in sports to describe the player who is the last one in a race or game.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “bring up the rear” include “trail,” “follow,” “bring up the end,” and “come last.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “bring up the rear” include “lead,” “be in front,” and “go first.”
The same root words
The phrase “bring up the rear” does not have any root words, but it is made up of three common English words: bring, up, and rear.
Example Sentences
- During the marathon, John was bringing up the rear.
- The teacher always makes sure that no one is left behind, so she brings up the rear during class trips.
- The soldiers were marching in a line, and the sergeant was bringing up the rear.
In conclusion, the phrase “bring up the rear” is a common idiom that has been used in the English language for centuries. It is often used in different contexts and has different meanings depending on the situation. Its origin can be traced back to the military, where it was used to describe the soldier responsible for ensuring that no one was left behind.