back off
[verb]
Synonyms: back down, back out, backpedal, backwater, crawfish (out), cry off, declare off, renege, resile, welsh

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

back off phrasal verb (see also back)

1. to move backwards, away from someone or something:
She backed off and then turned and ran.

2. to stop telling someone what to do, or stop criticizing them, especially so that they can deal with something themselves:
I think you should back off for a while.
Back off, Marc! Let me run my own life!

3. to stop supporting something, or decide not to do something you were planning to do:
Jerry backed off when he realized how much work was involved.
back off from
The company has backed off from investing new money.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

back off
to not do something you intended to do.
They had been unwise when they backed off from making changes to the law.

Another boss might have told the editor to back off and not pursue the story.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of back off (= to move away)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

back off
{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.
Syn.: BEAT A RETREAT. Compare: BACK OUT, GIVE IN, GO BACK ON(1).

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲