A Stab in the Back
Definition
A treacherous attack or betrayal, especially one made deceitfully or covertly, catching the betrayed party by surprise.
Origins
Surprisingly, the use of “stab in the back” figuratively has only been around since the early 20th century. Yet, the literal stabbing as a form of attack dates back as far as the word “stab” itself—from the 14th century! Rudyard Kipling captured it well in “Limits and Renewals” (1932), when he wrote, “He . . . stabs me in the back with his crazy schemes for betterment.”
Synonyms
- Betrayal
- Treachery
- Backstabbing
- Double-cross
- Perfidy
Antonyms
- Loyalty
- Fidelity
- Faithfulness
- Trustworthiness
- Allegiance
Related Terms
Proverbs:
- “Betray a friend, and you’ll often find you’ve ruined yourself.”
- “Snakes in the grass are lurking everywhere.”
Expressions & Common Phrases:
- Caught in the act
- A Judas kiss
- Et tu, Brute?
Idioms:
- Two-faced
- Double-dealing
- Eating with the devil
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Backstabbers are only powerful when your back is turned.” —Anon
- “Putting your trust in someone is like playing roulette with an extra sneaky dealer.”
References and Recommendations
Books:
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – A classic tale of betrayal and revenge.
- Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare - Highlighting the ultimate act of betrayal.
Movies:
- The Godfather – Filled with treachery and double-crosses.
- Revolutionary Road – A movie that dives deep into personal betrayal.
Songs:
- “Backstabbers” by The O’Jays
- “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
Poetry:
- “The Arrow and the Song” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – A touch on consequences of unguarded actions.
### Which of these is a well-known idiom related to betrayal?
- [x] To stab someone in the back
- [ ] To sing a rainbow
- [ ] To butter the cat
- [ ] To juggle kettles
> **Explanation:** "To stab someone in the back" is a classic idiom about betrayal. The others are just silly sounds we made up!
### Which phrase signifies deceit and disloyalty?
- [ ] To stand up like a lighthouse
- [x] A Judas kiss
- [ ] Walking on clouds
- [ ] Melting the sun
> **Explanation:** "A Judas kiss" signifies an act of betrayal, drawing its origin from Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. The others are poetic yet meaningless here.
### True or False: The phrase "stab in the back" can be understood literally as well as figuratively.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! Though it's predominantly used figuratively for betrayal nowadays, someone literally stabbing another in the back isn’t off the table.
“Words have the power to heal or to harm. Let’s wield them wisely so our stabs are more for sandwich masterpieces and less for heartaches.” - Wordina Sharp
