释义 |
backward(s) and forward(s) backward(s) and forward(s)Back and forth; moving in one direction and then the opposite. Can be used literally to refer to something or someone moving in such a way, or figuratively to refer to a situation in which no progress is made (e.g., an argument). I was pacing backwards and forwards in my room last night, worrying about this morning's exam. The two candidates debated the gun laws backward and forward, but neither could offer a productive solution in the end.See also: andbackward and forwardAlso, backwards and forwards. 1. Same as back and forth. 2. Thoroughly, completely, as in He read the speech over and over, until he knew it backwards and forwards. [Late 1500s] See also: and, backward, forward |