Phrasal Verbs

back down

This page is about the phrasal verb back down

Meaning

to decide not to do something because of opposition, or because of pressure from authorities

For example

  • back down Thousands of people protested against the government's decision to allow logging in the forest, so the government had to back down.

  • back down on sth The workers didn't back down on their demands for higher wages even though the company threatened to sack them.

Quick Quiz

The anti-war protesters wanted the government to back down on its decision to

a. start a war in Iraq

b. end the war in Iraq

c. prevent future wars
a) start a war in Iraq b) end the war in Iraq c) prevent future wars

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey