back up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to support or assist

2. (intr) cricket (of a nonstriking batsman) to move down the wicket in readiness for a run as a ball is bowled

3. (of water) to accumulate

4. (of traffic) to become jammed behind an accident or other obstruction

5. computing to make a copy of (a data file), esp for storage in another place as a security copy

6. printing to print the second side of (a sheet)

7. to repeat an action immediately

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noun

1. a support or reinforcement

2. 1. a reserve or substitute

   2. ( as modifier )

      backup troops

3. 1. musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer

   2. ( as modifier )

      backup singer

4. the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe

5. computing a file or set of files copied for security purposes

back up Idioms  

1. Move or drive a vehicle backward, as in He told her to back up into the garage . [First half of 1800s]

2. Bring or come to a standstill, as in The water had backed up in the drains , or The accident had backed up traffic for miles . [First half of 1800s]

3. Support or strengthen, as in The photos were backed up with heavy cardboard so they couldn't be bent , or I'll back up that statement of yours . [Second half of 1700s]

4. Duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost. For example, Every computer manual warns you to back up your work frequently in case of a power outage or computer failure . [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

England dismissed Australia for 132 in the first innings, but struggled to back up their collective pace in the second as the hosts raced to their victory target of 205 in 28.2 overs.

From BBC

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table.

From BBC

With the point they earned by taking the game to overtime, the Kings headed back up the freeway Friday afternoon second in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Ducks.

From Los Angeles Times

French military chiefs are broadly in favour of the new measure, which they hope will create a reservoir of trained personnel able to back up professional soldiers and replace them in non-frontline tasks.

From BBC

The number of flights was expected to drop to only 25,611 on Thanksgiving Day before ticking back up for post-holiday travel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fall back
• retreat