back off
The phrase "back off" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to indicate retreat or reduction in intensity.
Definition
B1General
(informal)To move away from someone or something, often to avoid confrontation.
Example
- He told the dog to back off when it started growling.
- Back off, you're too close to the edge!
B2General
(informal)To stop being involved in a situation, usually to let others handle it.
Example
- I think we should back off and let them resolve their issues.
- She decided to back off from the project to focus on her health.
B2General
(informal)To reduce the intensity or amount of effort being applied to something.
Example
- You need to back off a bit; you're working too hard.
- He backed off on his demands after the negotiation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back off":
back awaystand backkeep backclear offstep backback downback outstep offbug offstay backmove backpush offstep asidebuzz offstand offpull awayscrew offdraw backfreak offstepping backpull backwalk awaystand asideget offhands offlook offbugger offfuck offbitch offstand downbear offmove awayhold offbore offhead offshove offwalk backbeak offfall backpush backknock it offfork offwalk offgo awaywalk away frompiss offkiss offback upturn awaycome off itdraw awaybeat offdrive offshit offkeep awaymake offcome offhold backrear backcool offscare offmug offfight backgo back onfight offkick backnick offcrack offbeef outjump offhop offpull offconk offgo offpush awaycall offout of the wayboom offbrush offstep downcop outturn backtake a back seatdo offbreak offturn offfob offsit backcut backrun backhit backlay offturn one's backwave offease upblow offcrock offswitch offstay outknock backride offlay backsack offtouch offget awaydraw offpipe downtake offtake backchill outgob offfend offnow go awaypull outrack offplay offkeep away fromput offtake a hikecall off the dogsbang offclick offfront offcool outjag offon the back footrun offtell offget outfucked offmove on