fall back upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To use something you kept ready for when you really need it.
Literal meaning: To fall backward and land upon something for support.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
formal
To use a reserve resource, principle, or skill when primary options have failed; formal equivalent of 'fall back on'.
"With no contemporary legal precedent, the judge was forced to fall back upon centuries-old common law."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Functionally identical to 'fall back on'. The 'upon' form is more formal and more common in written, literary, or official contexts. In everyday speech, 'fall back on' is strongly preferred.
Commonly used with
experience reserves tradition savings precedent principles
Forms
Base
fall back upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls back upon
he/she/it
Past simple
fell back upon
yesterday
Past participle
fallen back upon
have + pp
-ing form
falling back upon
continuous
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Synonyms
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