back down
B2neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
to withdraw from a position, demand, or argument, especially when challenged or opposed
To cease to maintain an opinion or claim, often due to pressure or loss of confidence; to concede defeat in a dispute
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies retreating from a previously stated position; suggests yielding under pressure; commonly used in contexts of conflict, negotiation, or argument
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same connotations of withdrawal, concession, or retreat from a stance
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
back down (from something)back down (on something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “climb down”
- “eat crow (US informal)”
- “backpedal”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The management backed down after the union threatened to strike.
Academic
The researcher refused to back down from her controversial hypothesis.
Everyday
He backed down when he realised he was outnumbered.
Technical
The company backed down from its patent infringement claim.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government backed down over the proposed tax increases.
- She won't back down from her principles.
American English
- The company backed down on its pricing demands.
- He had to back down after the evidence was presented.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He backed down when his brother got angry.
- Don't back down from a challenge!
- The teacher backed down after the students complained.
- They refused to back down on their decision.
- The politician was forced to back down from her controversial statement.
- After lengthy negotiations, both sides eventually backed down.
- Despite mounting pressure, the CEO refused to back down on the company's restructuring plans.
- The defendant's legal team backed down when confronted with irrefutable evidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone stepping backwards DOWN from a podium after losing an argument.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT AS PHYSICAL POSITION (retreating from a stance)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'спина вниз' - use 'отступать', 'сдаваться', or 'идти на попятную'
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'back down from the position' (redundant) | Correct: 'back down on the position'
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates 'backing down'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While it often implies weakness or defeat, it can also show wisdom or pragmatism in avoiding unnecessary conflict.
No, it's strictly a phrasal verb with metaphorical meaning. For literal movement backwards, use 'step back' or 'move back'.
'Back down' implies conceding an argument or position, while 'back off' suggests withdrawing from confrontation or pressure.
No, 'back down' is inseparable. You cannot say 'back something down' or 'back down something'.