1 C1 idiomatic informal
To take someone to a secluded place to threaten, confront, or physically deal with them.
"The crime boss told his associates to take the informant out back before anyone else found out."
inseparable
take someone out back
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To take someone to a private location, implying a confrontation, punishment, or serious and secret conversation.
In plain English
To take someone somewhere private, usually because you want to threaten them or deal with them away from others.
What does "take someone out back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
Used hyperbolically to express strong frustration with someone, implying (humorously) the desire to discipline them.
"If my dog chews my shoes one more time, I swear I'm going to take him out back for a serious talk."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically lead someone to the area behind a building.
Actually means
To take someone somewhere private, usually because you want to threaten them or deal with them away from others.
Usage tip
Primarily used as a threat or dark euphemism. The phrase evokes old Western or gangster film imagery of dealing with someone violently behind a building. Often used hyperbolically and humorously in modern speech ('If he keeps that up, I'll take him out back'). Rare in formal or neutral contexts.
Words that pair with "take someone out back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
woodshed alley talk deal with sort out
How to conjugate "take someone out back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take someone out back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes someone out back
he/she/it
Past simple
took someone out back
yesterday
Past participle
taken someone out back
have + pp
-ing form
taking someone out back
continuous
Hear "take someone out back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take someone out back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "take someone out back"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
deal with privately have a word with settle it outside
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.