Definition

1. Noun:
   • A secret or underhand means of access (to a place or a position): An indirect, hidden, or dishonest method to achieve something, such as gaining a job, favor, or power.
   • An entrance at the rear of a building: A door located at the back of a structure.
   • An undocumented way to get access to a computer system or the data it contains: A hidden method, often malicious, to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to a computer system.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Secret Means):
  • He secured the contract through a backdoor, not through the official bidding process.
  • The scandal revealed a backdoor to political influence for wealthy donors.
• Noun (Rear Entrance):
  • Please use the backdoor; the front entrance is locked for the night.
  • The delivery was made to the backdoor of the restaurant.
• Noun (Computer Security):
  • The hacker installed a backdoor to maintain access to the network.
  • The software update patched a critical backdoor vulnerability.

Advanced Usage

• "by/through the back door": As an adverbial phrase meaning to achieve something secretly or unofficially.
  • The policy was introduced by the back door without a parliamentary vote.
  • He entered the industry through the back door, starting as an intern for a family friend.

Variants and Related Words

• Backdoor (adjective): Used attributively to describe something achieved by or relating to secret means.
  • A backdoor deal.
  • A backdoor listing on the stock exchange.
• Backdoor (verb, rare/informal): To use secret or unofficial means to achieve something.

Synonyms

• Secret entrance (for the physical door).
• Covert access.
• Hidden entry.
• Unauthorized access point (for computing).
• Loophole.

Related Phrases

• Backdoor man (slang, dated): A man who has a secret romantic affair with someone, especially with a married woman.
• Backdoor play (sports, e.g., basketball): An offensive play where a player cuts behind the defense toward the basket.

Related Idioms

• To come in through the back door: To enter or achieve something via unofficial, secret, or less honorable channels.
  • She didn't have the qualifications, so she came in through the back door with a recommendation from the CEO.

Noun

1. a secret or underhand means of access (to a place or a position)
   • he got his job through the back door
2. an entrance at the rear of a building
3. an undocumented way to get access to a computer system or the data it contains