back up
The phrase 'back up' has versatile uses in everyday language, ranging from physical movement to providing support or creating data copies.
Definition
B1General
(informal)To move in reverse, especially for vehicles.
Example
- The car backed up slowly to park in the tight spot.
- Please back up a little to give me more space.
B2General
(informal)To provide support or reinforcement.
Example
- My friends backed me up during the difficult times.
- Can you back me up on this project?
B2Computing
(technical)To create a copy of data to prevent loss.
Example
- Make sure to back up your files regularly.
- He forgot to back up his work and lost everything.
B2General
(informal)To provide evidence or information to support a claim.
Example
- Can you back up your statement with facts?
- She backed up her argument with strong evidence.
B2General
(informal)To become congested or clogged, as in traffic or a queue.
Example
- Traffic backed up for miles due to the accident.
- The sink backed up because of a clog.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back up":
back outback downpack upkeep backstand backstep backback offbag upfall backprop upbuck upstand behindrow backhold upmove backbear outtake backgo back onbump updrop backload upback instock upstand byrap backroll backstay backstep uppull backrun backdouble uphead upmove uppush backblack upstick upbig upwalk backpower upback awayright backbull upbear uppull upput backback to backfront upbackup vocalsbook upstand upget it upbrace up