get behind
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle behind
Meanings
Become late with work, payments, or schedule
Why “behind”? One person or thing follows behind another on the same path.
“We got behind on the rent.”
“Omar got behind with his invoices.”
Support a person, idea, or cause
Why “behind”? A person or group gives steady support to someone or something.
“We must get behind the new manager.”
“The fans got behind the young goalkeeper.”
Don't confuse with
Get behind means become late with work, payments, or schedule. Get round means travel from one place to another, especially when difficult.
Test yourself
“We got behind on the rent.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
get round
A contrast learners often mix up
Travel from one place to another, especially when difficult; Persuade someone to do what you want by gentle means; Find a way to deal with or avoid a problem or rule; Finally find time to do something postponed
be behind
Same behind pattern: late
Be late with work or a schedule; Be the hidden cause or organiser of something; Support a person, plan, or cause
drop behind
Same behind pattern: late
Lose your position relative to a group moving ahead
fall behind
Same behind pattern: late
Fail to keep pace or make progress as quickly as others; Of a payment, become late or owed
lag behind
Same behind pattern: late
Move or progress more slowly than others
leave behind
Same behind pattern: late
Forget or fail to take something with you when you go; Surpass someone in development or achievement; Depart from someone, ending a relationship or association
line up behind
Same behind pattern: support
As a group, publicly support the same person or idea
rally behind
Same behind pattern: support
Come together in support of a leader or cause
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