1 B2 neutral
To physically grab, restrain, or attack someone approaching from the rear.
"The security guard managed to take the suspect from behind before he could escape through the door."
inseparable
take from behind
C1 neutral inseparable transitive
To attack, grab, or approach someone or something from the rear.
In plain English
To grab or attack someone from the back so they can't see you coming.
What does "take from behind" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
In sports or competition, to overtake or defeat a competitor by coming up from behind.
"The defending champions were taken from behind in the final quarter when the opposing team scored three goals."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To take hold of something from a position behind it.
Actually means
To grab or attack someone from the back so they can't see you coming.
Usage tip
Used in military, sports, and tactical contexts. Can describe a physical assault from the rear or, in chess and strategy games, a flanking maneuver. Less commonly used in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "take from behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
enemy defender position attacker opponent
How to conjugate "take from behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take from behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes from behind
he/she/it
Past simple
took from behind
yesterday
Past participle
taken from behind
have + pp
-ing form
taking from behind
continuous
Hear "take from behind" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take from behind" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "take from behind"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
ambush from the rear attack from behind blindside flank sneak up on
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.