Word Phrasal verb
back out
phrasal verb.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
Definition
phrasal verb.to decide not to do something you previously agreed to do.
phrasal verb.to withdraw from a commitment, agreement, or undertaking before it is completed.
Examples
“He promised to help, but he backed out at the last minute.”
“The investors decided to back out of the deal when they saw the company's falling profits.”
“Although the contract had been drafted, the lead architect chose to back out, citing irreconcilable creative differences with the primary developer.”
Usage
often followed by the preposition 'of' when the specific commitment is mentioned.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'cancel'; 'back out' implies a withdrawal from a social or legal obligation that was already in motion.
Pitfall
He backed out the agreement.He backed out of the agreement.
when an object follows, the preposition 'of' must be used after the particle 'out'.
- Particles
- out
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- back + out (+ of + object)
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated