back down
[verb]
Synonyms: give in, accede, admit defeat, back-pedal, concede, surrender, withdraw, yield

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Related Idioms: get out of, go back on
Related Words: disavow, recall, recant, retract, take back, withdraw, backtrack, beg off, weasel (out), balk, demur, hold back, stickle

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

back down phrasal verb (see also back)
to admit that you are wrong or that you have lost an argument:
Both sides have refused to back down.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

back down
to decide not to do something because others say you should not do it.
Most of the speakers opposed the budget cuts, but the mayor said she would not back down.

We demanded an end to the weapons tests, and we thought they had agreed to back down.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

back down
1. • back down
to yield in one's position during negotiations, to not follow up on a threat
The government backed down on their threat to stop giving money to the school district.

2. • back down (from someone or something)
to fail to carry through on a threat to do something
The government backed down from their plan to sell the national airline.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

back down
v., informal To give up a claim; not follow up a threat.
Bill said he could beat Ted, but when Ted put up his fists Bill backed down.
Harry claimed Joe had taken his book, but backed down when the teacher talked with him.
Synonym: BEAT A RETREAT.
Compare: BACK OUT, GIVE IN, GO BACK ON¹.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲