back off phrasal — verb (I) especially AmE 1 to move backwards, away from something: Back off, you re crowding me. 2 to stop trying to force someone to do or think something: I think you should back off for a while and leave Alan to make his own decision. 3 to… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
back away phrasal — verb (I) 1 to move backwards, away from something, especially because you are afraid, shocked etc (+ from): The waiter backed away from the table, bowing slightly. 2 to gradually stop taking part in something or supporting something:… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
back down phrasal — verb (I) to accept defeat in an argument, opinion, or claim: When presented with the evidence, the suspect backed down … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
back out phrasal — verb (I) to decide not to do something that you had promised to do (+ of): They backed out of the contract at the last minute … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
back into — phrasal : to get into inadvertently * * * back into [phrasal verb] back into (something) : to become involved in (something) without planning to become involved He backed into the antiques business almost by accident when he sold some old… … Useful english dictionary
back — back1 [ bæk ] adverb *** ▸ 1 returning to place/state ▸ 2 as reply or reaction ▸ 3 away from the front ▸ 4 away from someone/something ▸ 5 toward beginning of something ▸ 6 in/into the past ▸ 7 in a different place ▸ + PHRASES 1. ) returning to a … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
back down — verb 1. move backwards from a certain position (Freq. 2) The bully had to back down • Syn: ↑back up, ↑back off • Derivationally related forms: ↑backdown • Hypernyms: ↑ … Useful english dictionary
back out — verb 1. move out of a space backwards (Freq. 2) He backed out of the driveway • Hypernyms: ↑back • Verb Frames: Somebody s Somebody s PP 2. make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity … Useful english dictionary
back up — verb 1. give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to (Freq. 3) She supported him during the illness Her children always backed her up • Syn: ↑support • Derivationally related forms: ↑backup, ↑supportive … Useful english dictionary
back away — verb make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity (Freq. 1) We ll have to crawfish out from meeting with him He backed out of his earlier promise The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns • Syn: ↑retreat, ↑pull back, ↑ … Useful english dictionary
