Phrasal verb
back off
Meanings
To move away from someone or something; step back.
To stop being aggressive, threatening, or demanding; give someone space.
To reduce effort or intensity; become less strict or less forceful.
Definition
To back off means to move away or stop being aggressive, demanding, or interfering.
Back off is a phrasal verb used when someone moves away from something physically or reduces pressure in a situation. It often means to stop pushing, threatening, or arguing and give someone space. It can also mean to reduce intensity, like lowering demands or stepping away from a plan.
Examples
- I asked him to back off when he kept interrupting me.
- You should back off and let them make their own decision.
- She backed off after realizing her comment sounded harsh.
- They backed off the deadline to give the team more time.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “back off” (stop pressuring) with “back down” (admit you were wrong or stop arguing).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.