back and fill
The term "back and fill" originated from sailing but is now also used figuratively to describe indecisive or alternating actions.
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Definition
C1Sailing
(technical)To manage the sails so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, allowing the ship to stay in place while the current moves it.
Example
- The captain had to back and fill to keep the ship in the center of the narrow channel.
C1General
(figurative)To alternate between different actions or decisions, often in a way that seems indecisive.
Example
- The committee seemed to back and fill on the issue, making it hard to reach a conclusion.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back and fill":