back up

[back up] {v.}

1. To move backwards.

* /The train was backing up./

2. To help or be ready to help; stay behind to help; agree with and speak in support of.

* /Jim has joined the Boy Scouts and his father is backing him up./

* /The principal backs up the faculty./

* /Jim told us what had happened and Bob backed him up./

Compare: BACK OF(3), STAND BY(4). 3. To move behind (another fielder) in order to catch the ball if he misses it.

* /The shortstop backed up the second baseman on the throw./

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	See also »
	back out [back out] {v. phr.} 1. To move backwards out of a place or enclosure. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms draw back [draw back] {v.} To move back; back away; step backward; withdraw; move away from. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms back down [back down] or [back off] {v.}, {informal} To give up a claim; not follow up ... A Dictionary of American Idioms drop back [drop back] {v.} To move or step backwards; retreat. * /The soldiers dropped back before ... A Dictionary of American Idioms back [back] See: BACK OF or IN BACK OF, BEHIND ONE'S BACK, BRUSH BACK, COME BACK, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms go back on [go back on] {v. phr.} 1. To turn against; not be faithful or loyal to. ... A Dictionary of American Idioms back-to-back [back-to-back] {adv.} 1. Immediately following. * /The health clinic had back-to-back appointments for the new ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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