Phrasal verb
fall back on
Definition
phrasal verb. to use something as a backup plan when your first choice fails.
phrasal verb. to resort to a secondary resource or alternative plan when the primary option is no longer available or successful; implies a sense of security or a safety net.
Examples
“If I don't get the job, I can fall back on my savings.”
“When the GPS stopped working in the mountains, they had to fall back on an old paper map.”
“The government was forced to fall back on emergency reserves after the primary supply chain was disrupted by the strike.”
Examples
simple
“If I don't get the job, I can fall back on my savings.”
contextual
“When the GPS stopped working in the mountains, they had to fall back on an old paper map.”
complex
“The government was forced to fall back on emergency reserves after the primary supply chain was disrupted by the strike.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fall back on” in context.
Verb
01. always fall back on
“If the new business venture fails, he can always fall back on his teaching qualifications.”
adv + verb
02. fall back on a plan
“We need to fall back on Plan B because the original venue is no longer available.”
verb + noun
03. fall back on family support
“It is comforting to know you can fall back on family support during difficult times.”
verb + noun
04. fall back on old habits
“Under stress, many people tend to fall back on old habits like smoking or overeating.”
verb + adj + noun
05. fall back on savings
“When she lost her job, she had to fall back on her savings to pay the rent.”
verb + noun
06. suddenly fall back on
“The team had to suddenly fall back on their defensive strategy when the star player was injured.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a noun representing a resource, such as money, a skill, or a person.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'resort to', which often has a more negative or desperate connotation; 'fall back on' suggests a prepared or reliable backup.
Pitfall
He fell back his family for help.
He fell back on his family for help.
the preposition 'on' is essential to complete the meaning of this phrasal verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + back + on + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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