# back off

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Please back off and give me some space.
- The reporter kept asking personal questions until the actor told him to back off.
- Realizing that his aggressive tactics were alienating the board members, the director decided to back off and adopt a more conciliatory approach.

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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.