fall back
To move back or go back to an earlier position, especially when things get hard.
Meanings
In military or physical contexts, to retreat or move to a position further back.
"Outnumbered and outgunned, the soldiers had no choice but to fall back to the river."
Of clocks: to be set one hour earlier, as in the end of daylight saving time.
"Don't forget — the clocks fall back this Sunday, so you'll get an extra hour of sleep."
To move physically backward, often due to surprise or loss of balance.
"She fell back against the wall when the door suddenly swung open."
Common in military contexts (troops falling back) and clock-change contexts (clocks fall back in autumn/fall). Also used figuratively to describe retreating from a position or stance.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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