The phrase "brought up the rear" is often used to describe someone who is at the back of a group or procession. The pronunciation of "brought" is /brɔːt/, with the "br-" sound being pronounced as a voiced bilabial stop (similar to the "b" sound) followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative (similar to the "s" sound). The word "rear" is pronounced /rɪər/, with the "r-" sound being a voiced alveolar trill (like in Spanish) and the "-ear" sound as a lax vowel followed by an alveolar approximant.
"Brought up the rear" is an idiomatic expression that is often used to describe the action or position of being at the back or the last in a group or procession. This phrase is most commonly used in situations where individuals or objects are arranged in a particular order and someone or something is positioned behind all others.
The term can be traced back to military formations, where soldiers would march in a column or file formation. The soldier who "brought up the rear" was the one responsible for guarding the back of the group, ensuring that no one was left behind or that there were no potential threats from the rear. This position was crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of the formation.
In a broader context, "brought up the rear" can also signify being the last to do or accomplish something. For example, if a team is completing a task or a race, the person who "brings up the rear" is the one who finishes last or is slower than the others in the team.
Overall, "brought up the rear" refers to the action of being located at the back or the last in a group or procession. It indicates the role of protecting and ensuring the safety or completion of the group's objective, whether it be a military formation or a team effort.