Phrasal verb
back out of
Meanings
To withdraw from a plan, agreement, or commitment.
To slowly move a vehicle out of a space by driving in reverse.
Definition
To back out of something means to decide not to do it after you previously agreed or planned to.
To back out of something is to withdraw from a plan, promise, or commitment. It often happens after someone has already said yes, but then changes their mind. People use it for events, agreements, and responsibilities when they decide not to continue.
Examples
- I can’t back out of the volunteer shift now because they’re counting on me.
- You shouldn’t back out of the trip at the last minute without telling anyone.
- He backed out of the debate when he realized he hadn’t prepared enough.
- She had to back out of the dinner reservation because her flight was delayed.
- They backed out of the project after the timeline changed dramatically.
Common mistake
Learners often say “back off of” when they mean “back out of” a commitment; “back off” usually means to stop pressuring or move away.
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.