back away
The phrase "back away" can describe both physical and metaphorical retreat, often due to fear, caution, or reconsideration.
Definition
B1General
(common)To move backward from something or someone, often due to fear or caution.
Example
- She backed away from the barking dog.
- The crowd backed away when the fire alarm went off.
B2Figurative
(common)To withdraw support or retreat from a previously held position or commitment.
Example
- He backed away from his promise to help.
- The company backed away from the controversial deal.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back away":
back offwalk awaymove awaystep backdraw awaypull awaystand backwalk away fromdraw backmove backturn awayback outstepping backstep asidepush awayback downkeep backwalk backrun awaykeep awaystay backpull backstand asidego awayrear backwalk away withget awaykeep away fromfall awayfade awaystand downcome awaymake awayfall backrun backwave awaydrive awaywork awayturn one's backbreak awaystep downstep offwalk offpush backturn backpull outgo backwardsstand offwalk back the cathide awaynow go awaybat awaymove outmove sidewaysturn asideduck outcop outwave offstay behindclear offhold backscare offduck offhide behindslip awayweasel outpush offback uptake a back seatwalk outstep outbug outgive waymove alongout of the waygoing awaylay backlook backrun away withdraw offwhere away