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to fall back
01
to move back, often from a challenging situation or conflict
Examples
Faced with overwhelming enemy forces, the soldiers had to fall back to a more defensible position.
The team decided to fall back when they realized they were outnumbered and outgunned.
02
to suddenly lose one's balance and fall backward
Examples
Losing his footing on the slippery slope, he began to fall back, narrowly avoiding a more serious tumble.
As the gust of wind intensified, the tree branch could n't hold its weight and started to fall back.
03
to revert to a previous state of bad behavior, habit, or practice, especially after making an effort to change
Examples
Despite his efforts to quit smoking, he fell back into the habit during times of stress.
After completing a rehabilitation program, she was determined not to fall back into substance abuse.
04
to rely on something as a backup or alternative plan
Examples
When the original plan failed, they had to fall back on their contingency strategy.
If the weather does n't improve, we may need to fall back on our indoor event option.
05
to reduce in number or value
Examples
The demand for the product fell back after the initial surge in sales.
As the economy struggled, consumer spending began to fall back.
