fall back on

Idioms  

1. Also, fall back upon. Rely on, have recourse to, as in I fall back on old friends in time of need, or When he lost his job he had to fall back upon his savings. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

When those precise systems break down, however, cells may fall back on a less reliable emergency option.

From Science Daily

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.

From BBC

In the end, these efforts still fall back on timing and luck, zoo officials say.

From Los Angeles Times

Remember that Social Security will be there for you as an income source when one spouse dies, but it’s always nice to have a larger nest egg to fall back on during a difficult time.

From MarketWatch

"I've got an understanding that quite a few guys in the dressing room won't have that to fall back on," said Stokes.

From BBC