back away
Idioms-
Walk backward, as in He cautiously backed away from the fire .
-
Gradually retreat, withdraw, as in Since he couldn't convince his colleagues, he's backing away from his original idea . Both usages employ the verb back in the sense of “retreat,” dating from the late 1400s. Also see back down ; back out .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Due in large part to the release of video footage showing McGlockton starting to back away, Drejka was eventually charged with manslaughter.
From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026
Fernandes' crosses from the right swing back away from goal, which often gives his team-mates space to head the ball.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
If one encounters a potentially dangerous snake, stop and back away, keeping a good distance from the snake.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026
Done up in a luscious dark-red paint scheme, it has a removable roof over the front seats, putting your chauffeur out in the elements while you sit in back, away from prying eyes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
I started to back away with the baby in my arms.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
