behind

be|hind1 [ bı`haınd ] function word ***

Behind can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun):

The car behind us was flashing its lights.

as an adverb (without a following noun):

I stayed behind to take care of the children.

1. ) at someone/something's back or opposite side

a ) at the back of someone or something:

The teacher was standing behind me, looking over my shoulder.

Some papers had slipped down behind the bookcase.

Harry went out and shut the door behind him (=after he had gone through it).

from behind: He grabbed me from behind and pulled me to the ground.

b ) following someone or something:

You walk ahead and we'll follow along behind.

The other runners were a long way behind Benson.

c ) on the other side of something from where you are:

The personnel director was sitting behind an enormous desk.

We could hide behind those bushes.

2. ) used for stating what causes something used for saying what causes something or who is responsible for making it happen, especially when this is not obvious:

Police believe that a racist group is behind the attacks.

What's behind this sudden change of policy?

3. ) late in doing something late or too slow in doing things that you have to do:

The project is already a month behind schedule.

I'm sorry your suit isn't ready yet. We've gotten a little behind with things.

be/get/fall behind: Within a few months she had fallen behind in her rent.

4. ) remaining after people leave remaining in a place after people have left:

After the party Jack and Laurie stayed behind to clean up.

They left two of us behind to guard the baggage.

Some of the equipment got left behind.

5. ) achieving less progress or success

a ) used for saying that someone or something is less successful or has made less progress than others:

I've been sick that's why I'm behind everyone else in math and French.

Technology in Eastern Europe was at least 20 years behind the West.

The Americans were falling behind in the competitive world of automobile design.

b ) used for saying that one person or team has a lower score or is less likely to win than their opponent:

Davis is still behind in recent opinion polls.

behind by: At half time, our team was behind by 12 points.

c ) behind the times if a person or organization is behind the times, they are not modern because they have not changed as much or made as much progress as others:

A business without its own Web site is definitely way behind the times.

6. ) giving support used for saying that someone supports a person, action, or idea:

You're doing a great job, and I want you to know we're behind you all the way.

Not everyone in Congress was behind Roosevelt's policies.

When it came to a crisis, they all rallied behind their leader.

7. ) used for stating hidden facts

a ) used for saying that someone's appearance or behavior hides their real character or feelings:

Behind her quiet shy manner there is a passionate spirit.

It was an evil business conducted behind a show of respectability.

b ) used for talking about the real facts of a situation that people do not know:

Parents are demanding to know the truth behind these disturbing rumors.

the terrible story behind the fur trade

8. ) happening in the past

a ) if a bad experience or unpleasant situation is behind you, it no longer affects you or makes you unhappy:

With the trauma of the divorce behind her, Sandra could look forward to a better life.

put something behind you: Sure, I made some bad mistakes, but I want to put all that behind me now and think about the future.

b ) if you have useful experience behind you, it gives you an advantage because you have gained skills and knowledge from it:

Robinson entered politics with 20 years' business experience behind him.

behind

be|hind 2 [ bı`haınd ] noun count INFORMAL

the part of your body that you sit on: BOTTOM