Back out
verb
To decide not to do something that you had agreed to do.
He backed out of the deal at the last minute
Often appears as...
- back out of the deal
- back out at the last minute
verb
To move backwards out of a place or situation.
You'll have to back out of the parking space carefully
Often appears as...
- back out carefully
- back out slowly
verb
To remove or reverse an action in computing.
If the update causes problems, we can back out the changes
Often appears as...
- back out the changes
- back out the update
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To decide not to do something that you had agreed to do.
He backed out of the deal at the last minute
Often appears as...
- back out of the deal
- back out at the last minute
verb
To move backwards out of a place or situation.
You'll have to back out of the parking space carefully
Often appears as...
- back out carefully
- back out slowly
verb
To remove or reverse an action in computing.
If the update causes problems, we can back out the changes
Often appears as...
- back out the changes
- back out the update
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Commitment Issues
Use 'back out' to describe someone breaking a promise or commitment.
She backed out of the volunteer work she promised to do.
Pro Tip 2/3Last Minute Change
'Back out' often implies a change of mind occurred unexpectedly or late in the process.
He was ready to sign the contract but backed out at the last minute.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase can carry a negative tone, suggesting unreliability or indecision.
Backing out now will damage our reputation.
Pro Tip 1/3Commitment Issues
Use 'back out' to describe someone breaking a promise or commitment.
She backed out of the volunteer work she promised to do.
Pro Tip 2/3Last Minute Change
'Back out' often implies a change of mind occurred unexpectedly or late in the process.
He was ready to sign the contract but backed out at the last minute.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase can carry a negative tone, suggesting unreliability or indecision.
Backing out now will damage our reputation.
Pro Tip 1/3Commitment Issues
Use 'back out' to describe someone breaking a promise or commitment.
She backed out of the volunteer work she promised to do.
Pro Tip 2/3Last Minute Change
'Back out' often implies a change of mind occurred unexpectedly or late in the process.
He was ready to sign the contract but backed out at the last minute.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase can carry a negative tone, suggesting unreliability or indecision.
Backing out now will damage our reputation.
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