back off

British  

verb

1. (intr) to retreat

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

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back off Idioms  

1. See back down , def. 2.

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

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Example Sentences

The chief also urged Washington to back off: “We’re taking this very seriously,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Alarfaj said some conservative families have become more strict, taking up the slack as the state backs off of its enforcement of social restrictions.

From The Wall Street Journal

The companies “knew that their design tactics were harming young girls’ mental health, and they didn’t back off.

From Los Angeles Times

The backlash is prompting Iran’s rulers to back off in some high-profile instances to ease the pressure on the regime.

From The Wall Street Journal

Drivers will be backing off towards the end of straights - and being careful about when they apply the throttle - to ensure the most efficient energy usage, even on a qualifying lap.

From BBC

Related Words

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