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push back

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To say no to something or resist a plan, or to move something backward.

Literal meaning: Transparent in the physical sense — to push something in a backward direction.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To resist, oppose, or challenge a plan, policy, or demand.

"Staff pushed back against the new working hours policy, arguing it was unfair."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To move something or someone physically backward by pushing.

"She pushed back her chair and stood up."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To delay or postpone a deadline, meeting, or scheduled event.

"The launch date has been pushed back by two weeks due to technical issues."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The figurative sense of opposing or resisting is very common in business, politics, and journalism — 'there was significant pushback against the proposal'. 'Pushback' is the common noun form. The physical and scheduling senses are also widely used.

Commonly used with

proposal policy deadline legislation schedule critics opponents

Forms

Base
push back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes back
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed back
yesterday
Past participle
pushed back
have + pp
-ing form
pushing back
continuous

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