Sometimes a character in a story will want to inflict some kind of damage to someone else without arousing suspicion or losing their good reputation. Lending a Backhand, or giving someone "help" that actually hurts them, is just the tool for this character. Reasons for this vary; perhaps a Starscream or Faux Affably Evil type wants to lull their target into a false sense of security, gradually weaken them, or gain their target's trust before making a power move, but whatever the motive, the Backhand is designed to hurt the recipient while appearing to help them on the surface. ...