back down

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

noun

1. abandonment of an earlier claim

Idioms and Phrases

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]

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.

Example Sentences

Elevated temperatures are predicted to drop back down to seasonal norms by Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

He has pledged to smallholder farmers that the price will come back down under a targeted programme due to start next month.

From BBC

His aggressive and fast style sets him apart, with a volume of punches that rarely diminishes and a courage that leads him to exchange blows without backing down.

From Los Angeles Times

"Getting the tariffs back down to zero for Scotch whisky would obviously benefit Scotland and the industry directly, but it would also be a good thing for the US industry and for the US economy."

From BBC

The protesters are showing no sign of backing down, and have largely defied an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and beyond.

From BBC

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