English Reference

Phrasal verb

sit back

Definition

phrasal verb. to relax and stop making an effort, often while you wait for something to happen or watch others work.

phrasal verb. to take a passive role or cease active participation in a situation; to relax physically by leaning against the back of a seat. Intransitive in both its literal and figurative senses.

Examples

“You can just sit back and enjoy the show.”

“After you finish your part of the project, you can sit back and wait for the feedback.”

“Rather than intervening in the market collapse, the regulators decided to sit back and allow the natural correction to take place.”

Examples

simple

“You can just sit back and enjoy the show.”

contextual

“After you finish your part of the project, you can sit back and wait for the feedback.”

complex

“Rather than intervening in the market collapse, the regulators decided to sit back and allow the natural correction to take place.”

Usage

Often used with 'and' followed by another verb like 'relax', 'watch', or 'wait'.

Teaching tip

Contrast the literal physical action of leaning back in a chair with the figurative meaning of being passive or observant rather than active.

Phrasal verb

Particles

back

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

sit + back

Synonyms

relaxunwinddo nothingobserve

Antonyms

take actionintervenework hard

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference