The expression probably comes from the physical act of turning your back toward someone, instead of speaking to him face-to-face.

VOA: special.2009.12.13

"Instead of shopping in just the regular shopping mall we were kind of forced to go to these bargain type shops."

VOA: special.2009.12.21

And President Lincoln sent thousands of troops to chase Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley, instead of helping McClellan at Richmond.

VOA: special.2009.09.17

Often the company would use mules instead of horses to pull its stagecoaches because the Indians had no interest in mules.

VOA: special.2010.04.26

"Cupcakes are cool because they're having your own personal cake instead of having to share with a lot of people.

VOA: special.2010.04.12

There, researchers are developing a test that uses human saliva instead of blood to find those infected with malaria.

VOA: special.2010.04.20

They had many complaints. One said Paul talked to the other students instead of paying attention to the lessons.

VOA: special.2009.04.04

Instead,he went to see the heads of some of the largest American companies to get their financial support for his network.

VOA: special.2010.01.31

Because he used head-craft, instead of witchcraft, he rose from the poorest igloo to be the chief in the village.

VOA: special.2011.03.12

The students use the mixture to fertilize the soil instead of buying chemical fertilizers that could harm the environment.

VOA: special.2009.04.14

The government wants forty-six creditors to accept two billion dollars instead of the seven billion dollars the company owes.

VOA: special.2009.05.01

But he agrees that in recent years, many companies have tied pay to short-term performance, instead of their long-term health.

VOA: special.2009.10.30

Play it by ear also means to decide what to do at the last minute instead of making detailed plans.

VOA: special.2009.09.13

The leaders agreed to make the G20 the main group for their international economic cooperation, instead of the G8.

VOA: special.2009.09.26