back forty: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘back forty’ mean?
The idiom "back forty" refers to a remote or secluded area, typically a large piece of land located at the back of a property. It implies a sense of distance, seclusion, and possibly difficulty in access or visibility.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay of the land" refers to understanding or becoming familiar with a situation or environment. It implies gaining knowledge about the current state, conditions, or dynamics of a particular situation or place.
The idiom "keep off the streets" means to stay indoors or avoid going outside, often because of dangerous or unsafe conditions on public roads or in the surrounding area.
The idiom "forty minutes of hell" refers to a chaotic and intense period of time that is filled with extreme difficulty or turmoil.
The idiom "Fort Knox" refers to a place or thing that is highly secure or well-guarded, often used to describe something that is difficult to access or penetrate.
The idiom "fence in" means to enclose or confine someone or something within a limited space or boundaries, restricting their freedom or movement.
The idiom "edge of the world" refers to a metaphorical location beyond which everything is unknown or uncharted. It signifies the limit or boundary of one's knowledge or experience.
The idiom "edge of the earth" is used to describe a feeling of being in a remote, isolated, or faraway place, as if one is at the very limit or furthest point of existence or civilization.
The idiom "down the road" means in the future or at a later time.
The Hidden Unknown
The idiom "back forty" refers to a large, remote, and often uncultivated or unused piece of land located far away from the main area of activity. It is primarily used in rural or agricultural contexts in the United States. The term "forty" in this idiom is believed to derive from the historical practice of dividing land into 40-acre plots as part of the Homestead Act of 1862.
The idiom's origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, with its usage becoming more prominent in the 20th century. It has its roots in American agriculture and the vast expanses of land owned by farmers. The "back forty" refers to the area of land that is situated towards the rear end of a farm, typically distant from the main residence or productive fields.
The idiom carries connotations of remoteness, solitude, and isolation. It signifies a place that requires effort to reach and is often associated with manual labor or leisure activities such as hunting or fishing. Additionally, it can convey a sense of unproductiveness or neglect due to its lack of regular attention or cultivation.
While the idiom "back forty" is predominantly used in rural or farming communities, its metaphorical use has expanded to other areas of American life, such as business or personal endeavors. In these contexts, "back forty" may imply a project or task that has been pushed aside or placed on the backburner, requiring renewed attention or effort to complete.
This idiom highlights the significance of land and its spatial arrangement in American culture, particularly in relation to agriculture and rural life. It reflects the historical and cultural realities of the United States, where expansive farmland was and still is a defining aspect of the country's identity.
The idiom "backwater" is related to the idiom "back forty." It refers to a place or situation that is isolated, stagnant, or lacking in progress. Similar to the "back forty," it conveys a sense of remoteness and being removed from the main area of activity. In both cases, there is an emphasis on being far away and disconnected from the bustling center.
The idiom "back in" is another related idiom. It refers to a return to a previous situation or place, often with a sense of nostalgia or familiarity. Just as the "back forty" evokes a connection to the past and a simpler way of life, "back in" implies a return to a familiar time or state of being. Both idioms carry a sense of longing for what once was.
The idiom "back off" is also connected to the idiom "back forty." It means to retreat from a situation or back away from an argument or conflict. Similarly, the "back forty" represents a retreat or escape from the demands and pressures of daily life. It suggests a place of refuge and respite, where one can find solitude and peace.
Another related idiom is "back-pocket." It refers to having knowledge, information, or resources readily available and easily accessible. This idiom reflects the idea of keeping something close at hand, just as one would keep valuables in their back pocket. Similarly, the "back forty" represents a hidden or secret place, suggesting that there is something valuable or important hidden away in the vast expanse of land.
The idiom "back to the wall" is also connected to the idiom "back forty." It describes a situation where someone is in a difficult or precarious position, with no easy way out. In a similar vein, the "back forty" represents a challenge or obstacle that requires effort and determination to overcome. Both idioms convey a sense of adversity and the need to persevere.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *back forty* can be used in a sentence:
- After a long day at work, I like to take a walk in my back forty, enjoying the solitude and fresh air.
- The old man spent his retirement years tending to his back forty, growing vegetables and raising chickens.
- When the kids were young, we used to have camping trips in our back forty, building fires and telling stories under the stars.
More "Location" idioms
