sit back

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to relax, as when action should be taken

   many people just sit back and ignore the problems of today

Idioms and Phrases

Relax, as in Now that the work's finished, we can just sit back .

Refrain from interfering or taking part, as in Mom and Dad just sat back and watched Meg try to decide whether or not she should tell on her friends . [Mid-1900s] Also see sit by .

Example Sentences

“He’s ready for this moment. So, for me, I’m just going to sit back and watch closely.”

From Los Angeles Times

For most of Friday morning, Combs maintained a non-reactive demeanour, sitting back in his seat and listening quietly as prosecutors accused him of ruining his victims' lives.

From BBC

I like the new system we saw in the Arsenal and Manchester United games where we kind of sat back, let them have the ball, then we counter-attack.

From BBC

"We can help them, but we won't sit back and let them break the law."

From BBC

"For too long Labour have taken your votes for granted, they've sat back and let Wales become the poor man of Britain."

From BBC

Related Words

• calm 
• lie down 
• loosen up www.thesaurus.com
• recline 
• soften 
• unwind