Bring up the rear Meaning in English
expression
BRING-UP-thuh-REER
bring-UP-thuh-REER
Definition
To be at the back of a group, especially when moving together; to be last in line or position.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal or descriptive; often used in narratives, military contexts, or group movements. Do not confuse with 'fall behind' (which means to lag due to inability) — 'bring up the rear' is neutral and can be intentional.
Spanish: ir al final - cerrar la marcha - quedarse atrásPortuguese (BR): ficar por último - fechar a fila - ir atrásPortuguese (PT): ficar no fim - fechar o grupo - ir atrásChinese (Simplified): 殿后 - 走在最后面Chinese (Traditional): 殿後 - 走在最後面Hindi: अंत में चलना - सबसे पीछे रहनाArabic: يكون في المؤخرة - يسير في آخر الصفBengali: সবচেয়ে পেছনে থাকা - পেছনে থাকা (দলের শেষে)Russian: замыкать колонну - идти замыкающимJapanese: 最後尾を務めるVietnamese: đi cuối đoàn - chốt đoànKorean: 맨 뒤에 서다 - 뒤를 맡다Turkish: artçı olmak - en arkada yer almakUrdu: سب سے پیچھے رہناIndonesian: menjadi yang paling belakang - berada di bagian belakang
Example Sentences
I will bring up the rear while you all go ahead.
basic
She offered to bring up the rear during the hike.
basic
The last student brings up the rear in the line.
basic
Don’t worry, I’ll bring up the rear so nobody gets left behind.
natural
Whenever we go cycling, Tom likes to bring up the rear and make sure everyone is okay.
natural
During the parade, a band will bring up the rear behind the floats.
natural