ENGLISH
REFERENCE

back down

idiom
Meaning

To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.


Examples
SIMPLE

He refuses to back down during the argument.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the manager pressured her to change her report, she refused to back down.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting pressure from his political rivals, the senator remained resolute and refused to back down from his proposed reforms.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  3. 03

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  4. 04

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  5. 05

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  6. 06

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  7. 07

    back off

    To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

  8. 08

    back office

    The IT and infrastructure support services for a company, separate from the public face of the business.

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