ENGLISH
REFERENCE

back off

idiom
Meaning

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


Examples
SIMPLE

Please back off and give me some space.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter kept asking personal questions until the actor told him to back off.

COMPLEX

Realizing that his aggressive tactics were alienating the board members, the director decided to back off and adopt a more conciliatory approach.

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 down

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

  3. 03

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  4. 04

    back gammon player

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

  5. 05

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  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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