Back down meaning
Back down means to stop saying you are right or stop demanding something, because others are strongly against you.
back down
back down · backed · backing
The company backed down after thousands of customers complained.
Back down meanings and examples
One meaning, each with its own CEFR level. A level marked ~ is our estimate: Oxford and Cambridge give none for that meaning.
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1
Stop saying you are right or stop demanding something, because others are strongly against you
back down
- The company backed down after thousands of customers complained.
- She refused to back down, even when everyone disagreed.
- Why should I back down? I know I’m right.
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Use back down in real conversations
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- Short lessons at your level, a few minutes a day
Is back down separable?
Back down has no object. You simply back down. To say what you give up, add on or from: The council backed down on the new parking fees.
It is often used with not or refuse: He won’t back down. The phrase back down from a fight means avoid it.
Verb tenses for back down
| Present | I back down · she backs down |
|---|---|
| Past | backed down |
| Present perfect | have backed down |
| -ing form | backing down |
Common mistakes with back down
What learners often say, and what to say instead.
Wrong: The minister backed down his plan.
Right: The minister backed down on his plan.
Back down takes no direct object; use on or from.
Wrong: She backed off her demands after the meeting.
Right: She backed down on her demands after the meeting.
Back off is mostly about moving away or giving space; for dropping a demand, say back down.
Wrong: I won’t back down to you.
Right: I won’t back down.
Back down is not used with to + person.
Synonyms and opposites of back down
Words close to it, and words that mean the opposite.
Similar
- give inagree after saying no, often because someone keeps asking
- back offmove away or stop pushing someone, physically or in an argument
- climb downUK, admit you were wrong after a strong position
Opposite
- stand your groundrefuse to change your opinion when others push you
- hold outkeep refusing for a long time
Back down quiz
Three quick questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why.
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1After a week of protests, the school ___ and cancelled the new rule.
Back down means stop insisting on something because people strongly oppose it.
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2Choose the right sentence.
Back down has no object; use on before the thing you stop demanding.
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3“She never backs down in an argument.” What is she like?
If you never back down, you never accept you have lost.
More phrasal verbs with back
2 phrasal verbs start with back. Test yourself on all of them in a few minutes.
Back down FAQ
Questions people ask about back down.
What is the difference between back down and back off?
Back down means stop insisting you are right. Back off means move away from someone or stop pressuring them: Back off, I need some space.
What is the difference between back down and back out?
You back down in an argument. You back out of a plan or deal, meaning you decide not to do it after you agreed: He backed out of the trip.
What does refuse to back down mean?
It means keep fighting for your opinion or demand, even under pressure. News reports use it a lot: The union refuses to back down.
Use back down in real conversations
In Slova you learn new words with picture cards, then use them when you talk about the things you love. A few minutes a day, at your level.