back off

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Sure! Let’s break down the phrase "back off."

Definition:

"Back off" is a phrasal verb that has a few meanings, but it generally means to move away from someone or something or to stop being involved in a situation.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "back off" when you want to tell someone to give you space or to stop being aggressive. It can also mean to withdraw from a commitment or responsibility.

Examples:

1. Moving Away:

   • "When the dog barked at me, I decided to back off slowly so it wouldn’t bite me."

2. Stopping Involvement:

   • "She had to back off from the project because it was too time-consuming for her."

Advanced Usage:

In more complex situations, "back off" can imply a strategic retreat in discussions or negotiations. For example, if two people are arguing, one might say, "I think we should back off and discuss this later when we’re calmer."

Variants:

• Backed off: Past tense, e.g., "He backed off from the argument."
• Backing off: Present continuous, e.g., "She is backing off from her previous commitments."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Distance: To literally move away from something or someone.
2. Emotional Distance: To stop being involved in a stressful situation.
3. Withdrawal: To remove oneself from a responsibility or obligation.

Synonyms:

• Withdraw
• Retreat
• Recede
• Step back

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Back down: To admit defeat or change your position in an argument.

  • Example: "He finally backed down and agreed to my plan."

• Back out: To withdraw from a commitment or agreement.

  • Example: "She backed out of the deal at the last minute."

Summary:

"Back off" is a versatile phrase used when you want to tell someone to give space or when you decide to remove yourself from a situation or obligation.

Academic

Verb

1. remove oneself from an obligation
   • He bowed out when he heard how much work was involved
2. move backwards from a certain position
   • The bully had to back down

Synonyms

• chicken out
• pull out
• back down
• bow out
• back up