back forty

or back 40

noun

1. remote, usually uncultivated acreage on a large piece of land, as on a farm or ranch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of back forty¹

Apparently because forty acres was a typical size for such a piece of land

Example Sentences

If you’re among those who might pass the corner of Prince and Crosby Streets in SoHo with a pang of nostalgia for the loss of the restaurant Savoy, closed in 2011, you can relive some of its moments with Peter Hoffman, the chef and a former owner, at a program at the Basque restaurant Huertas, near Mr. Hoffman’s restaurant Back Forty, which closed in 2014.

From New York Times

Back Forty and Back Forty West, his other places, had briefer runs.

From New York Times

“Having reviewed the decision, we believe that Aquila will be able to resolve the cited issues and remain confident that Back Forty will be a safe, disciplined operation that promotes and supports local community socioeconomic development and is protective of the environment.”

From Seattle Times

Administrative Law Judge Daniel Pulter invalidated a wetlands permit granted in 2018 to Aquila Resources Inc. The Toronto-based company’s Back Forty mine primarily would target gold and zinc in an underground sulfide deposit, as well as smaller volumes of copper, silver and lead.

From Seattle Times

So, you’re not saying he was a special agent going back forty years?

From The New Yorker