English Reference

Phrasal verb

back down

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop arguing for your opinion or to admit you are wrong because you realize you cannot win.

phrasal verb. to withdraw a claim, demand, or commitment in the face of opposition. The verb is intransitive and typically implies a concession of defeat or a tactical retreat.

Examples

“Neither side is willing to back down in the argument.”

“After the union threatened to strike, the management finally decided to back down on the new rules.”

“Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant refused to back down from his original testimony.”

Examples

simple

“Neither side is willing to back down in the argument.”

contextual

“After the union threatened to strike, the management finally decided to back down on the new rules.”

complex

“Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant refused to back down from his original testimony.”

Usage

usually followed by 'from' or 'on' when referring to a specific stance or decision.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'give in' to show that 'back down' often involves a public or formal withdrawal of a previous position.

Pitfall

He backed down his claim.

He backed down from his claim.

the verb is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'from' or 'on' to link to an object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

back + down

Synonyms

yieldgive inretreatconcede

Antonyms

stand one's groundpersisthold firm

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference