back down

back down — phrasal verb

  • back downbase form
  • backs down3rd person singular
  • backing down-ing form
  • backed downpast simple

1. to stop insisting on a demand, opinion, or position because other people oppose

1.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to stop insisting on a demand, opinion, or position because other people oppose it strongly and you cannot change their minds

例句

The government refused to back down on its proposed tax reforms despite public protests.

refused to back down on — common negation + preposition pattern

After the lawyer presented new evidence, the company had no choice but to back down.

同義詞
  • yield

    more formal; often used in legal or diplomatic contexts

  • concede

    implies acknowledging the other side is right, not just stopping the fight

  • give in

    more informal; suggests reluctance after resisting

  • compromise

    involves mutual adjustment, not one-sided surrender

反義詞

文法句型

back down + on + [issue/demand/position]

back down + from + [claim/statement/stance]

用法筆記

Often used in contexts of negotiation, argument, or policy disputes. The preposition 'on' introduces the disputed issue; 'from' introduces the specific claim or position being abandoned.

常見錯誤

❌The CEO backed down the proposal after criticism.
✅The CEO backed down on the proposal after criticism.
💡'back down' is intransitive; you need 'on' before the issue.
❌She backed down her decision.
✅She backed down from her decision.
💡'back down' needs 'from' before a position or claim.
❌He backed down of the agreement.
✅He backed down from the agreement.
💡use 'from', not 'of'.

2. to accept that you cannot win a conflict or competition and stop trying to achie

2.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to accept that you cannot win a conflict or competition and stop trying to achieve your goal

例句

After months of legal battles, the small business finally backed down and paid the fine.

finally backed down — signaling end of prolonged resistance

Trang knew she was outnumbered in the argument, so she chose to back down gracefully.

同義詞
  • surrender

    stronger; implies complete loss and submission

  • give up

    broader; can mean stop trying for any reason, not just defeat

  • capitulate

    formal; usually under specific terms or conditions

  • cave in

    informal; suggests pressure caused the decision

反義詞

文法句型

back down (no object)

用法筆記

Frequently used in negative constructions (refused to back down, would not back down) to emphasize determination. Also common with 'finally' to mark the end of a long resistance.

常見錯誤

❌We backed down the opponent.
✅We backed down in the face of the opponent's pressure.
💡'back down' cannot take a direct object.
❌He backed down to her threats.
✅He backed down in response to her threats.
💡use 'in response to' or simply 'because of', not 'to' directly after the verb.