back down

[back down] or [back off] {v.}, {informal} To give up a claim; not follow up a threat.

* /Bill said he could beat Ted, but when Ted put up his fists Bill backed down./

* /Harry claimed Joe had taken his book, but backed down when the teacher talked with him./

Syn.: BEAT A RETREAT. Compare: BACK OUT, GIVE IN, GO BACK ON(1).

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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