1 A2 neutral
Literal: to propel a boat backwards by rowing.
"He rowed back to the dock when he noticed the weather was turning."
inseparable
row back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To reverse direction by rowing, or figuratively to withdraw or retreat from a previously stated position or commitment.
In plain English
To take back or soften something you said or promised, or to row a boat backwards.
What does "row back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
Figurative: to retreat from or soften a previously stated position, promise, or commitment.
"The minister appeared to row back on his earlier promise to cut taxes."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To propel a boat backwards using oars — the figurative sense derives from reversing direction.
Actually means
To take back or soften something you said or promised, or to row a boat backwards.
Usage tip
The figurative sense — retreating from a political or public statement — is very common in British journalism and political commentary. Often used with 'from'. The literal sense of rowing a boat backwards is straightforward and transparent.
Words that pair with "row back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
statement promise commitment policy position claim
How to conjugate "row back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
row back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rows back
he/she/it
Past simple
rowed back
yesterday
Past participle
rowed back
have + pp
-ing form
rowing back
continuous
Hear "row back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "row back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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