back down

idiom phrasal verb

The phrase "back down" is commonly used in situations involving conflict, pressure, or disputes, indicating a retreat from a previously held position.

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Definition

B2General

(common)To withdraw from a stance or commitment due to opposition or pressure.

Example

After much debate, she decided to back down from her proposal.
He refused to back down, even when faced with strong criticism.

B2Conflict

(common)To concede defeat or yield in a confrontation.

Example

The company backed down after the employees threatened to strike.
He backed down when he realized he couldn't win the argument.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back down":

stand down back out step down walk back climb down get down back off step back move down back away come down go back on duck down go down fall back turn down drop back make down turn back call down back up talk down move back stand back stepping back draw back get down on take down a notch go backwards look down run back drop behind pull back row back take back bow down come down to roll back pull down down to drop down man down give ground back in keep back live down let down push back walk back the cat fall down double down argue down take down stay back face down get back quiet down ball down back into thumb down keep down beat down step off take a back seat come on down bring down put down ride down knock down draw down step aside sell down knock back size down quieten down plead down slow down rear back duck out charge down cop out come down on lay back gear down come back cut back back announce throttle down turn again on the back foot douche down bear down tone down set back throw down turn around comb down stand aside shoot down rap back put back