BRING UP THE REAR

v. phr. 1. To come last in a march, parade, or procession; end a line. The fire truck with Santa on it brought up the rear of the Christmas parade. The governor and his staff brought up the rear of the parade. 2. informal To do least well; do the most poorly of a group; be last. In the race, John brought up the rear. In the basketball tournament, our team brought up the rear.