Browse all

back into

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To move backwards and hit something, or to find yourself in a situation without planning it.

Literal meaning: To move backwards into something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To drive a vehicle in reverse into a space or object.

"She carefully backed the truck into the loading bay at the warehouse."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To accidentally collide with something while moving backwards.

"I wasn't looking in my mirror and backed into the fence post."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To enter a position, career, or situation without directly pursuing it; to arrive at something indirectly.

"He backed into politics after his business made him famous in the local community."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used literally for reversing vehicles. Also used figuratively when someone enters a role or situation unintentionally or without direct pursuit. 'He backed into the CEO role' implies he didn't seek it directly. Common in both AmE and BrE.

Commonly used with

wall car post role career situation

Forms

Base
back into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
backs into
he/she/it
Past simple
backed into
yesterday
Past participle
backed into
have + pp
-ing form
backing into
continuous

Understand "back into" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "back into" on Looplines