go back on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To break a promise — to say you'll do something and then not do it.
Literal meaning: To go backwards on something you committed to.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To break or fail to honour a promise, agreement, or commitment.
"He promised to help move the furniture, but went back on his word at the last minute."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To reverse or abandon a decision that was previously made.
"The council went back on its earlier decision and approved the planning application."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used with 'promise', 'word', 'agreement', or 'deal'. Implies bad faith or unreliability. Common in political journalism ('the government went back on its pledge'). 'Go back on your word' is a very frequent fixed expression.
Commonly used with
promise word agreement deal decision pledge
Forms
Base
go back on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes back on
he/she/it
Past simple
went back on
yesterday
Past participle
gone back on
have + pp
-ing form
going back on
continuous
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