The phrase “backing down” is a phrasal verb that means to withdraw from a position, opinion, or stance, often due to pressure, threat, or recognition that the original position was incorrect or unwise. It can refer to physical retreat or figuratively to someone who decides not to continue with a confrontation or challenge. Backing down is typically seen as yielding, conceding, or retreating in the face of opposition.
Example Sentences
- Despite his initial confidence, he ended up backing down from the argument.
- She was determined not to back down, even when others disagreed with her.
- The company refused to back down on its decision, despite public backlash.
- After a long discussion, he finally backed down and apologized.
- The bully tried to intimidate him, but he didn’t back down.
- The politician was forced to back down after the public protests grew louder.
- When the negotiations became heated, both sides agreed to back down on their demands.
- He didn’t want to back down, but the evidence was too overwhelming.
- The team captain refused to back down, even though the other team was stronger.
- She stood her ground, not backing down from her beliefs.
Synonyms
- Yield
- Relent
- Concede
- Surrender
- Retreat
- Give in
- Submit
- Capitulate
- Withdraw
- Fold
Antonyms
- Stand firm
- Persist
- Resist
- Hold ground
- Defend
- Maintain
- Assert
- Push back
- Hold steady
Related Words
- Concession
- Surrender
- Yielding
- Retreat
- Resistance
- Compromise
- Stubbornness
- Perseverance
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Give in: To stop resisting or conceding.
- Back out: To withdraw from an agreement or commitment.
- Give way: To yield or retreat in the face of opposition.
- Fold under pressure: To yield or concede when facing difficulty.
- Bow out: To withdraw gracefully from a situation.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Throw in the towel: To give up or admit defeat, similar to backing down.
- Wave the white flag: To surrender or concede in a conflict.
- Eat humble pie: To admit wrongdoing or concede after a confrontation.
- Hold one’s ground: To stand firm and not back down.
- Stand one’s ground: To resist pressure and not retreat or back down.
The phrase “backing down” is commonly used to describe yielding in both physical and metaphorical confrontations. Whether in personal disputes, professional negotiations, or public conflicts, it suggests a shift from a firm position to a more passive or conciliatory stance. Its synonyms, antonyms, and related phrases provide various ways to express yielding or resisting in different contexts.
