alle spalle

Literally, “at the shoulders”.

alle spalle

1. (also figurative) (typically with di) behind

   potete trovare i palloncini alle vostre spalle

   you can find the balloons behind you

   lasciare alle spalle ― to let it go (literally, “to leave behind”)

   • 2020 August 1, “Usa, sarà afroamericana la vice di Biden: Karen Bass e Susan Rice in pole position [USA, Biden's vice will be African-American:Karen Bass e Susan Rice in pole position]”, in la Repubblica‎:

     Non ha mai condotto una campagna elettorale, ma ha grande esperienza alle spalle e per questo la sua è considerata la candidatura più solida.

     She has never conducted an electoral campaign, but she has great experience behind her, and because of this, hers is considered the most solid candidacy.

   • 2020 August 3, Enrico Franceschini, “Le perversioni del principe Andrea nelle carte desecretate del processo Epstein [Prince Andrea's perversions in the declassified papers of the Epstein trial]”, in la Repubblica‎:

     Il duca di York ha sempre negato le accuse e perfino di averla mai incontrat^[sic], sebbene ci sia una foto, pubblicata da tutti i giornali, che lo ritrae mentre le cinge la vita sorridente, con Ghislaine Maxwell alle loro spalle.

     The Duke of York has always denied the accusations and even of having ever met her, even though there is a photo, published by all the newspapers, that shows him smiling, encircling her waist, with Ghislaine Maxwell behind them.

2. in an unexpected way; by surprise

   Synonyms: di sorpresa, a tradimento, alla sprovvista, in castagna

3. by treachery; treacherously

   Synonym: a tradimento

• When used with the meaning "in an unexpected way" (sense 2) or "by treachery" (sense 3), the locution is most often preceded by verbs of impact like colpire (“to strike”), assalire (“to assail”), pugnalare (“to stab”), etc.

• alle spalle di
• guardarsi alle spalle