backward and forward

1. Same as back and forth .

2. Thoroughly, completely, as in He read the speech over and over, until he knew it backwards and forwards . [Late 1500s]

Idioms and Phrases

Also, backwards and forwards .

Example Sentences

So in 1991, he had an idea when David Rensin and Bill Zehme published the “The Bob Book,” which Pool described as a paperback that aimed to explore the “name Bob backward and forward.”

From Los Angeles Times

He flexed his arms, bent backward and forward, and felt foolish before his wife.

From Literature

“It’s sad backward and forward,” Cat said quietly.

From Literature

Event organizers moved a shuttle bus backward and forward in front of the protesters to attempt to block the sound of their loudspeaker.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, they were on point and hilarious, even the bits I already knew backward and forward.

From Los Angeles Times