Phrasal verb
back out
Meanings
to decide not to do something you previously agreed or planned to do; to withdraw
to move a vehicle backward out of a place
Definition
To back out means to decide not to do something you had agreed or intended to do.
To back out is to withdraw from a plan, promise, or agreement before it happens. People often back out because they change their mind, feel uncertain, or discover new information. It usually suggests that others were expecting you to continue, so it can cause disappointment or inconvenience.
Examples
- I can’t back out now; everyone is counting on me.
- She backed out of the trip at the last minute because she had too much work.
- They backed out of the deal after they read the updated terms.
- You shouldn’t back out just because you feel nervous.
- He backed out of the driveway carefully to avoid the bicycle behind him.
Common mistake
Learners often say "back out from" instead of the more common "back out of" (e.g., "back out of the plan").
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.