back down

Short definition: The phrase back down means to withdraw from a position or stop resisting, often after realizing a conflict is unnecessary or unwinnable, showing willingness to compromise, avoid escalation, or accept another point of view.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase back down? This phrase is very common in everyday English, especially in arguments, negotiations, and tense situations. To back down means deciding to stop insisting on something and becoming less aggressive or firm. You will hear it in conversations about conflict, pressure, and compromise. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.

back down phrasal verb /bæk daʊn/

Forms: back down, backs down, backed down, backing down
Related: retreat v., compromise v., уступить v.
Syllable: back down

(Phrasal Verb) To stop arguing or insisting on something and accept a less forceful position.
To back down means deciding not to continue an argument or demand after pressure or opposition. It often happens when someone realizes the situation could get worse or that compromise is wiser. Backing down does not always mean weakness; sometimes it shows maturity or strategic thinking. This usage is common in conflicts, debates, and negotiations.

He finally backed down after realizing the argument was going nowhere.

She refused to back down despite strong criticism.

The company backed down once customers started complaining publicly.

Synonyms: retreat, give in, yield, compromise, soften your stance, step back, concede, fold, relent, withdraw, back off, cave in
Antonyms: stand firm, hold your ground, persist, refuse to yield, push forward, insist, double down, stay stubborn, escalate, press on, remain defiant, dig in
(Phrasal Verb) To reduce the intensity of a threat, demand, or aggressive action.
Back down can also mean lowering the level of pressure or aggression in a situation. This sense is often used when someone chooses calm over confrontation. It highlights de-escalation rather than surrender. The phrase is common in political, social, and personal contexts.

Tensions eased after both sides agreed to back down.

He was warned to back down before the situation got worse.

They backed down from their original threat to avoid legal trouble.

Synonyms: de-escalate, calm down, reduce pressure, pull back, ease off, soften demands, lower intensity, step away, disengage, cool tensions, back off, withdraw threats
Antonyms: escalate, intensify pressure, push harder, threaten further, provoke, heighten conflict, press demands, increase aggression, inflame tensions, advance forcefully, double down, confront directly

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Back down

In a heated debate over a community project, residents Arthur and Beatrice are discussing a controversial decision. The dialogue focuses on the phrase back down, which means to admit that you were wrong or to stop defending an opinion or demand, often because of pressure from others.

Arthur: The council is facing a lot of criticism, but they are refusing to back down on their plan to build the new mall.

Beatrice: I noticed that the local activists are also refusing to back down until the environmental impact study is released.

Arthur: It’s a stalemate; neither side is willing to back down and look for a compromise that benefits everyone.

Beatrice: I read that in successful negotiations, one side usually has to back down on minor points to achieve their main goals.

Arthur: Sometimes it’s a sign of strength to back down when you realize that your original position was based on faulty data.

Beatrice: If the mayor doesn't back down soon, he might lose the support of the voters in the upcoming election.

Arthur: I’ve seen him back down before when the evidence was overwhelming, so there’s still hope for a change in policy.

Beatrice: We need to keep the pressure on so they understand that we won't back down from protecting our park.

Arthur: I’m glad the community is standing together; it’s much harder to force people to back down when they are united.

Beatrice: Exactly; we’ll continue to protest until they finally back down and listen to our concerns about the environment.

Phrases Containing the Expression Back Down

The phrases below show how the expression back down is used to describe withdrawing from a position, reducing intensity, or stopping a confrontation.

Back down

To withdraw from a position.

After hearing the full explanation, he chose to back down and reconsider his stance.

Back down from a fight

To stop a confrontation.

She backed down from a fight when she realized it would only make things worse.

Back down under pressure

To retreat due to stress.

He refused to back down under pressure, even when criticism increased.

Back down after criticism

To change position after feedback.

She backed down after criticism and adjusted her proposal.

Back down during negotiations

To reduce demands.

They backed down during negotiations to reach a compromise.

Back down gracefully

To retreat politely.

He backed down gracefully without embarrassing anyone.

Back down reluctantly

To withdraw unwillingly.

She backed down reluctantly after realizing the risk was too high.

Back down from a challenge

To stop pursuing a challenge.

He refused to back down from a challenge he believed in.

Back down to avoid conflict

To retreat for peace.

Sometimes it’s wiser to back down to avoid conflict.

Back down publicly

To retreat openly.

She backed down publicly and admitted her mistake.

Back down privately

To retreat quietly.

He backed down privately after reflecting on the situation.

Back down after reflection

To withdraw after thinking.

After reflection, she backed down from her original demand.

Back down during an argument

To reduce intensity.

He backed down during the argument to prevent it from escalating.

Back down when proven wrong

To admit error.

She backed down when proven wrong by clear evidence.

Back down to protect relationships

To retreat for harmony.

He backed down to protect relationships that mattered more than winning.

Back down strategically

To retreat for long-term gain.

Sometimes leaders back down strategically to win later.

Back down slowly

To retreat gradually.

She backed down slowly, easing tension step by step.

Back down after warning

To retreat after caution.

He backed down after warning signs became clear.

Back down despite confidence

To retreat even when sure.

He backed down despite confidence, choosing caution over pride.

Refuse to back down

To stay firm.

She refused to back down because she believed the principle was worth defending.

Words Rhyme with back down

black gown

track town

shack clown

pack brown

sack frown

clack noun

smack crown

stack down

quack frown

snack town

down

town

clown

brown

frown

crown

gown

noun

renown

updown

countdown

downtown

uptown

sundown

lowdown

showdown

meltdown

cooldown

nightgown

touchdown

POS: Verb Phrase