back down
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To stop fighting or arguing about something and admit you won't get what you wanted.
Literal meaning: To move back down from a position (as in climbing back down).
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To stop arguing for or defending a position, especially after facing opposition or pressure.
"Despite the backlash, the principal refused to back down from the new school policy."
"We will not back down."
— George W. Bush, address to the nation, widely quoted in political journalism
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To withdraw a threat, ultimatum, or aggressive stance.
"The company backed down from its threat to sue after the negative publicity."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in political, negotiation, and interpersonal contexts. Often followed by 'from': 'back down from a claim'. Implies a degree of defeat or concession. Rarely used literally to mean physically moving downward.
Commonly used with
threat demand confrontation claim position pressure
Forms
Base
back down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
backs down
he/she/it
Past simple
backed down
yesterday
Past participle
backed down
have + pp
-ing form
backing down
continuous
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