Phrasal verb
back away
Definition
phrasal verb. to move backwards slowly, usually because you are afraid or want to avoid a situation.
phrasal verb. to retreat or move backwards from a person or thing, often as a defensive or cautious response to a perceived threat or conflict.
Examples
“He sees the dog and starts to back away.”
“When the argument became heated, she decided to back away and let everyone calm down.”
“The witness began to back away from his original statement once the defense attorney presented the new forensic evidence.”
Examples
simple
“He sees the dog and starts to back away.”
contextual
“When the argument became heated, she decided to back away and let everyone calm down.”
complex
“The witness began to back away from his original statement once the defense attorney presented the new forensic evidence.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “back away” in context.
Verb
01. back away and run
“The boy decided to back away and run as fast as he could when he heard the dog bark.”
verb + and + verb
02. slowly back away
“When you see a bear, you should slowly back away without making any sudden movements.”
adv + verb
Preposition
03. back away from a deal
“The company decided to back away from the deal because the costs were too high.”
prep + noun
04. back away from a fight
“He was not afraid to back away from a fight if it meant keeping the peace.”
prep + noun
05. back away from danger
“It is a natural instinct to back away from danger when you feel threatened.”
prep + noun
06. back away from the edge
“The lifeguard told the children to back away from the edge of the pool.”
prep + noun
Usage
often followed by the preposition 'from' to indicate the source of the threat or conflict.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'withdraw' (more formal) or 'retreat' (often military); 'back away' is physical and visual, making it easy to demonstrate in the classroom.
Pitfall
He backed away the fire.
He backed away from the fire.
this phrasal verb requires the preposition 'from' when followed by an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
back + away + (from + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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