back off

verb

1. (intr) to retreat

2. (tr) to abandon (an intention, objective, etc)

Idioms and Phrases

See back down , def. 2.

Relent, abandon one's stand. For example, The chairman wanted to sell one division but later backed off . [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

McIlroy backed off a putt for an eagle three after a shout disrupted his concentration.

From BBC

The European talisman, who had earlier responded to abuse on the first tee by blowing kisses towards the spectators, backed off from his shot and said: "Guys, shut the **** up."

From BBC

Mason Lino's high kick rebounded back off O'Brien and the ball was quickly moved out to the right edge where Myers applied a super one-handed diving finish.

From BBC

Guehi's header cannoned back off the bar and Mateta was best positioned to nod home unmarked because he was standing by the goalkeeper rather than with a defender.

From BBC

Then, after an embrace with a smiling Roberts, Kershaw made the slow walk back off the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon 
• back down 
• balk 
• give up 
• surrender 
• withdraw