back away
To move yourself away from something slowly, like going backwards to get away from danger.
Meanings
To move physically backwards away from someone or something, especially out of fear or caution.
"She slowly backed away from the aggressive dog, trying not to make any sudden movements."
To withdraw from a commitment, position, or plan, especially under pressure.
"The government backed away from its earlier promise to cut taxes within the first year."
"He seemed to back away from that position."
— Common journalistic phrasing in political reporting, widely attested
Used both literally (physical movement) and figuratively (withdrawing from a plan, statement, or position). The preposition 'from' often follows: 'back away from'. Very common in both spoken and written English.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "back away" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "back away" on Looplines