The phrase "back to front" is often used to describe something done in the opposite order of what is considered normal. It is spelled with the consonants /b/, /k/, /t/, /f/, and /r/, along with the vowel sounds /æ/, /ʌ/, and /ɒ/. The word "back" starts with the voiced bilabial plosive /b/ and the word "front" starts with the unvoiced labiodental fricative /f/. The IPA transcription for "back to front" is /bæk tə frʌnt/.
"Back to front" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe something that is arranged or done in a reverse or inverted manner. It suggests that the usual or conventional order or organization of things has been reversed, with the back or rear end being positioned at the front instead.
In a literal sense, "back to front" indicates the physical positioning of an object, person, or even a garment, where what is typically considered the front side is now at the back. For instance, wearing a shirt "back to front" means having the backing or label of the shirt visible at the front, instead of its intended design or buttons. Similarly, if a book or magazine is said to be read "back to front," it means reading it from the end to the beginning, starting with the last page.
Figuratively, "back to front" typically implies a reversal in the expected or logical order of things. For example, if someone has their priorities "back to front," it suggests that they have their goals or values in the wrong order, focusing on less important matters before addressing more significant ones. This can also apply to situations where steps or actions are taken in an illogical or counterproductive sequence, as if the usual order of operations has been inverted.
Overall, "back to front" signifies a reversal of the normal arrangement or order, whether in a literal or figurative context, highlighting a deviation from the standard or expected direction.