# back down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/back-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to stop arguing for your opinion or to admit you are wrong because you realize you cannot win.

For teachers: to withdraw a claim, demand, or commitment in the face of opposition. The verb is intransitive and typically implies a concession of defeat or a tactical retreat.

## Examples

- Neither side is willing to back down in the argument.
- After the union threatened to strike, the management finally decided to back down on the new rules.
- Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant refused to back down from his original testimony.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He backed down his claim." but "He backed down from his claim." — the verb is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'from' or 'on' to link to an object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by 'from' or 'on' when referring to a specific stance or decision.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'give in' to show that 'back down' often involves a public or formal withdrawal of a previous position.

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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.