back away

1. Walk backward, as in He cautiously backed away from the fire .

2. Gradually retreat, withdraw, as in Since he couldn't convince his colleagues, he's backing away from his original idea . Both usages employ the verb back in the sense of “retreat,” dating from the late 1400s. Also see back down ; back out .

Example Sentences

This is especially necessary for India to ensure it does not back away due to pressure from the US, said Prof Oak from the University of Adelaide.

From BBC

Fatally injured, he then backed away across the courtyard, in shock, before moving back towards towards his attacker.

From BBC

But as the Winston episode shows, Big Law began to back away from some clients almost the minute he returned to power.

From Salon

Values started increasing again when the number of homes for sale plunged as sellers also backed away, unwilling to give up mortgages they took out during the pandemic with rates of 3% and lower.

From Los Angeles Times

"We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused."

From BBC