backward and forward

1. Also, backwards and forwards.

2. Same as back and forth .

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

Example Sentences

Didion’s grief ripples backward and forward as she struggles to make sense of time.

From Los Angeles Times

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