fall back on somebody/something phrasal verb (see also fall)
to use something or depend on someone’s help when dealing with a difficult situation, especially after other methods have failed
have somebody/something to fall back on
She has no relatives to fall back on.
Where negotiation fails, they must fall back on the law. ⇒ fallback

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

fall back on
fall back on (something)
to depend on something after a loss or failure.
The family has no savings to fall back on.

I fell back on skills I had learned years ago when I had to earn a living for myself.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fall back on something
fall back on (something)
to depend on something after a loss or failure.
The family has no savings to fall back on.

I fell back on skills I had learned years ago when I had to earn a living for myself.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fall back on
• fall back on (someone or something)
to seek help when other things have failed
The woman had to fall back on her father when her business began to have problems.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fall back on something
• fall back on (someone or something)
to seek help when other things have failed
The woman had to fall back on her father when her business began to have problems.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fall back on
v.
1. To retreat to.
The enemy made a strong attack, and the soldiers fell back on the fort.
2. To go for help to; turn to in time of need.
When the big bills for Mother's hospital care came, Joe was glad he had money in the bank to fall back on.
If Mr. Jones can't find a job as a teacher, he can fall back on his skill as a printer.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲