Phrase guide

bring up the rear

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be last in a moving line of people, to walk or go behind others in a line.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: lead the way

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 墊後 /垫后 (diànhòu) — to be last in a moving line of people
  • Finnish: olla hännillä — to be last in a moving line of people
  • French: fermer la marche — to be last in a moving line of people
  • German: das Schlusslicht bilden — to be last in a moving line of people
  • German: das Schlusslicht sein — to be last in a moving line of people
  • Polish: być na końcu — to be last in a moving line of people
  • Spanish: cerrar la marcha — to be last in a moving line of people