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Be glad, etc. to see the back of somebody/something

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LampPro Tip 1/3
Emotional ReliefPlay
Use when the departure of someone or something brings a sense of relief or freedom from distress. SlideAfter the noisy construction ended, we were glad to see the back of the jackhammers and drills.
LampPro Tip 2/3
Not LiteralPlay
This phrase is metaphorical and is not about physically seeing someone's back as they leave. SlideOnce the semester was over, students were glad to see the back of their heavy textbooks.
LampPro Tip 3/3
Negative ContextPlay
It's often used for situations that were problematic or unpleasant. Not for happy farewells. SlideI'll be glad to see the back of these endless team meetings - they drain my energy.