Phrasal verb
back out of
To back out of something means to decide not to do it after you previously agreed or planned to.
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 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.