Back off
verb
To stop intimidating or threatening someone.
You better back off, or I'll call the police.
Often appears as...
- back off now
- back off immediately
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To slowly move back or withdraw.
I started to back off when I saw the dog's teeth.
Often appears as...
- back off slowly
- had to back off
verb
To retract or abandon a position or plan.
He decided to back off from his decision to invest because of the potential risks.
Often appears as...
- company backed off
- had to back off
Usage tips
Neutral
Business
verb
To reduce one's involvement or intensity.
She decided to back off from the project because it was taking up too much of her time.
Often appears as...
- back off from commitment
- decided to back off
verb
To stop intimidating or threatening someone.
You better back off, or I'll call the police.
Often appears as...
- back off now
- back off immediately
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To slowly move back or withdraw.
I started to back off when I saw the dog's teeth.
Often appears as...
- back off slowly
- had to back off
verb
To retract or abandon a position or plan.
He decided to back off from his decision to invest because of the potential risks.
Often appears as...
- company backed off
- had to back off
Usage tips
Neutral
Business
verb
To reduce one's involvement or intensity.
She decided to back off from the project because it was taking up too much of her time.
Often appears as...
- back off from commitment
- decided to back off
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Conflicts and Arguments
Use 'back off' to defuse tensions or show you want peace when there's a confrontation.
I won't argue; I'm gonna back off.
Pro Tip 2/2Assertiveness
Saying 'back off' can sound forceful, so use it to assert yourself in a strong but not aggressive way.
If he keeps bothering you, just tell him to back off.
Pro Tip 1/2Conflicts and Arguments
Use 'back off' to defuse tensions or show you want peace when there's a confrontation.
I won't argue; I'm gonna back off.
Pro Tip 2/2Assertiveness
Saying 'back off' can sound forceful, so use it to assert yourself in a strong but not aggressive way.
If he keeps bothering you, just tell him to back off.
Pro Tip 1/2Conflicts and Arguments
Use 'back off' to defuse tensions or show you want peace when there's a confrontation.
I won't argue; I'm gonna back off.
Pro Tip 2/2Assertiveness
Saying 'back off' can sound forceful, so use it to assert yourself in a strong but not aggressive way.
If he keeps bothering you, just tell him to back off.
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