# back down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/back-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He refuses to back down during the argument.
- Even though the manager pressured her to change her report, she refused to back down.
- Despite the mounting pressure from his political rivals, the senator remained resolute and refused to back down from his proposed reforms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.