# go back on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-back-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to fail to keep a promise or an agreement you made earlier.

For teachers: to fail to honour a commitment, promise, or agreement; implies a breach of trust or a reversal of a previous decision.

## Examples

- He promised to help me, but he went back on his word.
- The government was criticized after they went back on their pledge to lower taxes.
- Once the contract is signed, it becomes legally difficult for either party to go back on the agreed terms without facing significant penalties.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He went back his promise." but "He went back on his promise." — the preposition 'on' is essential to connect the action to the specific promise being broken.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun like 'word', 'promise', 'deal', or 'pledge'.
- Teaching tip: focus on the collocation 'go back on your word' as it is the most frequent usage; contrast with 'keep a promise' to show the antonymous relationship.

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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.