back down

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to withdraw an earlier claim

2. (tr) rowing to cause (a boat) to move backwards by pushing rather than pulling on the oars

noun

1. abandonment of an earlier claim

Idioms and Phrases

Reverse one's upward course, descend. For example, When she saw the wasps' nest on the roof, she hastily backed down the ladder . This literal usage usually refers to something one has climbed, such as a ladder or mountain. [Mid-1800s]

Also, back off . Retreat or yield. For example, As the watchdog began to snarl the letter carrier backed off , or You have a good point; now don't back down when you present it to the board . [First half of 1900s] Also see back away , def. 2.

Example Sentences

Bonta said that the legal action shows the state will not back down when local leaders attempt to block homeless housing.

From Los Angeles Times

Beutler argued that Republicans always make maximal demands in these stand-offs, and over the years, they have repeatedly managed to get Democrats to back down.

From Salon

His fastball, which was advertised as a 100 mph weapon when he signed with the Dodgers this offseason, dipped back down to a 94.4 mph average.

From Los Angeles Times

As the event wrapped up, Vazquez began leading people back down the trail.

From Los Angeles Times

For the past two seasons, all three teams who have come up from the Championship have immediately gone back down.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon 
• admit 
• back off 
• back out 
• backtrack 
• balk 
• cancel 
• cave in 
• concede 
• give in 
• give up 
• pull back 
• pull out 
• renege 
• retreat 
• surrender 
• take back 
• withdraw