back down

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to withdraw an earlier claim

2. (tr) rowing to cause (a boat) to move backwards by pushing rather than pulling on the oars

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noun

1. abandonment of an earlier claim

back down Idioms  

1. Reverse one's upward course, descend. For example, When she saw the wasps' nest on the roof, she hastily backed down the ladder . This literal usage usually refers to something one has climbed, such as a ladder or mountain. [Mid-1800s]

2. Also, back off . Retreat or yield. For example, As the watchdog began to snarl the letter carrier backed off , or You have a good point; now don't back down when you present it to the board . [First half of 1900s] Also see back away , def. 2.

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Example Sentences

The firm sold a chunk of its giant stake last Wednesday and Thursday, at prices ranging from $250 to $702, the filings show, as the stock fell back down to earth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Some on social media are wondering if the report will also bring the announcement of a stock split that brings the high-flying share price back down to earth for retail investors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

“It was interesting, the reception that I got. But I don’t back down, and I will go everywhere. I will talk to everyone,” he said.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

That might give the Fed room, in Warsh’s framework, to cut rates before inflation falls back down to 2%.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

I stare into it, see a frog watching us from its hiding spot between the reeds before it plops back down to hide under the surface of the water.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• abandon
• admit
• back off
• back out
• backtrack
• balk
• cancel
• cave in
• concede
• give in
• give up
• pull back
• pull out
• renege
• retreat
• surrender
• take back
• withdraw