# sit back

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sit-back
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.