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to back down
[phrase form: back]
01
to physically move backward from a particular position or place
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Movement verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
down
Base verb
back
Present tense
back down
3rd person singular
backs down
Present participle
backing down
Past simple
backed down
Past participle
backed down
Examples
The skier realized the slope was too steep and had to back down to a safer position.
1.1
to admit defeat and retreat from a position or claim when met with resistance or pressure
Examples
It's crucial to hold your ground and not back down when defending your principles.
