bring up the rear: meaning & examples

Open in app

Language: English

Meanings:

  • 1.

    globalneutralMachine
    • To occupy the last position in a moving line or procession; to follow at the back of a group.

    Examples

    Beta

    • During the hiking trip, Tim always brought up the rear to make sure no one got lost.

      During the hiking trip, Tim always brought up the rear to make sure no one got lost.

    • Who will bring up the rear when we march in the parade this weekend?

      Who will bring up the rear when we march in the parade this weekend?

    • The slowest runner brought up the rear, but she never gave up despite being last.

      The slowest runner brought up the rear, but she never gave up despite being last.

    • In the school field trip, the teacher brought up the rear to keep an eye on the students at the back.

      In the school field trip, the teacher brought up the rear to keep an eye on the students at the back.

  • 2.

    globalinformalMachine
    • To finish in last place in a race, competition, or ranking.

    Examples

    Beta

    • Despite training hard, Jake brought up the rear in the marathon this year.

      Despite training hard, Jake brought up the rear in the marathon this year.

    • Will our team bring up the rear in the competition again, or can we improve our rankings?

      Will our team bring up the rear in the competition again, or can we improve our rankings?

    • They brought up the rear in the sales contest last quarter, but they're determined to do better next time.

      They brought up the rear in the sales contest last quarter, but they're determined to do better next time.

Examples:

  • EN: I'll bring up the rear.
    ES: Iré en la retaguardia.
  • EN: You will bring up the rear.
    ES: Tú irás en la retaguardia.
  • EN: Sid, you bring up the rear guard.
    ES: Sid, tú cierra la marcha.
  • EN: You bring up the rear. Get it?
    ES: Llevas la retaguardia, ¿eh?
  • EN: Lane, you bring up the rear.
    ES: Lane, a la retaguardia.
  • EN: In fact, I was about to suggest that you bring up the rear.
    ES: Iba a sugerirte que fueses detrás.
  • EN: And Wu, you bring up the rear.
    ES: Y Wu, tú ve al final.
  • EN: Craig, you bring up the rear.
    ES: Craig, usted a retaguardia.
  • EN: Art and Johnny, you two bring up the rear.
    ES: Art y Johnny, cubrid la retaguardia.
  • EN: You and Susan go in front. Barbara and I will bring up the rear.
    ES: Usted y Susan van adelante, Barbara y yo atrás.
  • EN: But you will lead. The girls in between and I'll bring up the rear.
    ES: Sin embargo, usted guiará, las chicas en el medio y yo atrás.
  • EN: I, Eric Von Zipper, your leader, will personally bring up the rear.
    ES: Yo, Eric Von Zipper, vuestro líder, iré personalmente por detrás.
  • EN: Gabe, bring up the rear with Stu!
    ES: Gabe, sube la retaguardia con Stu!
  • EN: Red, Joe and Cully bring up the rear.
    ES: Cuando amanezca id hacia el cobertizo, sin hablar. Red, Joe y Cully serán los últimos.
  • EN: You bring up the rear.
    ES: Vosotros, cuidad la retaguardia.
  • EN: I'll bring up the rear.
    ES: Iré en la retaguardia.
  • EN: You will bring up the rear.
    ES: Tú irás en la retaguardia.
  • EN: Sid, you bring up the rear guard.
    ES: Sid, tú cierra la marcha.
  • EN: You bring up the rear. Get it?
    ES: Llevas la retaguardia, ¿eh?

Related Idioms

Validation Count: 0

Source: Wiktionary