back down
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/bæk daʊn/
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To retreat from a claim or stance after pressure or argument.
Examples
After hours of debate, the committee finally backed down.
Seeing the crowd's reaction, the speaker backed down from his harsh remarks.
When the lawyer presented new evidence, the witness backed down.
He refused to back down, even though the facts were clear.
She didn't want to back down, but she eventually did.
Similar words
yield
withdraw
relent
give in
concede
Meanings
Examples
She backed down when her boss threatened to fire her.
After hours of debate, the committee finally backed down.
He refused to back down, even though the facts were clear.
The protestors backed down after the city promised reforms.
When the lawyer presented new evidence, the witness backed down.
Seeing the crowd's reaction, the speaker backed down from his harsh remarks.
She didn't want to back down, but she eventually did.
Similar words
yield
concede
give in
relent
withdraw
FAQ
What does back down mean?
It means to retreat from a claim or stance after pressure or argument.
How is back down used in a sentence?
Example: "He refused to back down even though everyone warned him."
What is the opposite of back down?
The opposite is to stand firm or hold your ground.
You might back down when continuing would cause unnecessary conflict.
Is back down formal or informal?
It is a neutral phrase, used in everyday conversation.
What are synonyms for back down?
Synonyms include yield, concede, give in, relent, withdraw.
Does back down imply weakness?
It can suggest weakness, but sometimes it shows wisdom.
Can back down be used in negotiations?
Yes, it is common in negotiations to back down on a demand.
How does back down differ from give in?
Back down emphasizes retreat after pressure, while give in focuses on surrendering a demand.
What is the social context of back down?
It is used in social situations where a person faces pressure to change their position.
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