be (flat) on (one's) back



Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day!

be (flat) on (one's) back

To have no strength or ability to get up. Often used when someone is sick or injured, but it can be used figuratively as well. Oh man, I'm flat on my back with this flu. I haven't been out of bed in days! Sally's been on her back ever since she broke her leg. She's having a really hard time getting around in her cast. Losing my job has left me flat on my back. I'm really worried about how I'll pay my bills right now.
See also: back, on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Vince[vins]
PrissyPRIS-eeEnglish
Antonijo-Croatian
Galena-Bulgarian, Macedonian
Hrotsuitha-Ancient Germanic
Millicent['milisnt]