turn (one's) back on (someone or something)

turn (one's) back on (someone or something)

To ignore, disregard, or exclude someone or something; to abandon, give up on, or forsake someone or something. It's clear that the company has turned its back on customers. After becoming a successful writer, Jim turned his back on all the people he used to know back home.See also: back, on, turn

turn one's back on

Deny, reject; also abandon, forsake. For example, I can't turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she's done, or He simply turned his back on them and never gave it a second thought. [c. 1400] Also see when one's back is turned. See also: back, on, turn

turn your back on someone

COMMON If someone turns their back on you, they ignore you and refuse to help you. We appeal to this conference — do not turn your back on the poor. Our job is to protect children and we can't just turn our backs on them.See also: back, on, someone, turn

turn your back on something

COMMON If you turn your back on something, you reject it or stop being involved in it. He had turned his back on his Communist past and formed a completely new party. The organisation says that young people are increasingly turning their backs on marriage.See also: back, on, something, turn

turn your back on

1 ignore (someone) by turning away from them. 2 reject or abandon (a person or thing that you were previously involved with).See also: back, on, turn

turn your ˈback on somebody/something

refuse to help or support somebody who needs it: She turned her back on her family when she became famous.See also: back, on, somebody, something, turn