Stab Someone in the Back – किसी करीबी को धोखा देना

The idiom “stab someone in the back” refers to betraying or deceiving someone, especially when they trust you or consider you a friend or ally. It implies an act of treachery or disloyalty that is hidden or unexpected, as if someone is being attacked from behind, where they are unaware or least expect it. The idiom often conveys the feeling of surprise and hurt caused by someone you trust, making it a strongly negative action.

Meaning:

• “Stab someone in the back” means to betray or deceive a person who trusts you, usually in a covert or underhanded manner.
• It suggests that the act of betrayal is done secretly, and the person betrayed is caught unaware, much like being stabbed from behind.

Used when:

• Describing a situation where someone has broken trust or acted disloyally to another person, often for personal gain.
• Expressing disappointment or anger at someone’s betrayal or unfaithfulness.

Implied Message:
The idiom conveys a deep sense of betrayal, particularly when the person being deceived thought they could trust the betrayer. It evokes an image of hidden treachery, and implies that the action was unprovoked and often done for selfish reasons.

Hindi Equivalent:
“किसी करीबी को धोखा देना”
(अर्थ: जिस व्यक्ति पर विश्वास किया जाता है, उसी से धोखा मिलना।)

Detailed Explanation
The idiom “stab someone in the back” evokes a strong emotional reaction because it represents the pain and shock of being betrayed by someone close. This action is often surprising, as it typically happens without any prior indication that betrayal is on the horizon. The phrase also suggests that the person betraying might have acted secretly, causing harm in a hidden and unexpected way, as if the betrayal was being committed behind the victim’s back.

This idiom is usually associated with relationships, whether personal or professional, where one person is deceptive, disloyal, or manipulative to take advantage of someone they trust. The idea of a backstabber is often seen as someone who works behind the scenes to harm or undermine the other person, often for personal gain.

It’s important to note that the idiom “stab someone in the back” is associated with negative feelings such as anger, disappointment, and hurt. The victim is usually left feeling betrayed, especially since they didn’t see it coming.

Example Scenario:
If a person who has worked with you for a long time suddenly betrays your trust, you might say, “I can’t believe she stabbed me in the back after everything I did for her.”

Key Takeaways:

• The idiom “stab someone in the back” conveys betrayal and deception by someone who is trusted, often done secretly.
• It is a strongly negative phrase that evokes feelings of hurt, disappointment, and anger.
• The phrase highlights the unexpected and hidden nature of the betrayal, making it feel even more painful for the victim.

Origin of the Idiom:
The phrase “stab someone in the back” likely originates from the idea of being attacked or hurt by someone who should have been a trusted ally. The “backstabber” is someone who secretly undermines their victim, making the betrayal feel more intense and painful.

Real-World Examples:

In Personal Life:
English: “I thought we were friends, but when she went behind my back and lied, she really stabbed me in the back.”
Hindi: “मुझे लगा हम दोस्त हैं, लेकिन जब उसने मेरी पीठ पीछे झूठ बोला, तो उसने सच में मुझे धोखा दिया।”

In Business:
English: “After all the help I gave him, he tried to take credit for my work. That’s a classic case of someone trying to stab me in the back.”
Hindi: “जितनी मदद मैंने उसे दी, उसने मेरे काम का श्रेय लेने की कोशिश की। यह तो धोखा देने का एक उदाहरण है।”

When to Use the Idiom:

• When someone you trusted betrays you or acts disloyally.
• To describe a situation where someone’s actions have hurt you or undermined your efforts secretly.
• When someone takes advantage of you behind your back, without your knowledge.

Cultural Perspectives:
Betrayal is a theme that resonates in many cultures, and the idiom “stab someone in the back” reflects a universal feeling of anger and hurt when trust is broken. Many cultures have their own variations of this idiom, but the general idea remains the same: betrayal is one of the most painful forms of disloyalty.

Key Insights:

• Backstabbing refers to the act of betraying someone secretly and without warning.
• The phrase emphasizes the painful nature of betrayal and how disloyalty is especially hurtful when it comes from someone you trust.
• Trust plays a huge role in relationships, and betrayal in this context can be especially difficult to deal with.

Global Relevance:
The idiom “stab someone in the back” is widely used in English-speaking cultures and also has equivalents in other languages, reflecting a universal understanding of betrayal. It’s common to hear it in both personal and professional contexts, where trust is important.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever experienced a situation where someone you trusted stabbed you in the back? How did you feel?
• How can we rebuild trust after experiencing betrayal?

Similar Expressions

English Idiom	Hindi Meaning
Backstabber	पीठ में छुरा घोंकने वाला
Betray someone’s trust	किसी का विश्वास तोड़ना