back away (from someone or something)

back away (from someone or something)
back away (from someone or something) & back off (from someone or something)
1. Lit. to move backwards from a person or thing; to withdraw physically from someone or something. •

You should back away from the fire.

Please back off from the man who is threatening you.

2. Fig. to begin to appear uninterested in someone or something; to withdraw one's interest from someone or something. •

The board of directors began to back away from the idea of taking over the rival company.

Tom backed off from the whole idea of investing in stocks.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • back — I. /bæk / (say bak) noun 1. the hinder part of the human body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine. 2. the part of the body of animals corresponding to the human back. 3. the rear portion of any part or organ of the body: the back of… …  

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  • from — [ weak frəm, strong fram ] preposition *** 1. ) given, sent, or provided by someone used for stating who gives or sends you something or provides you with something: You ll have to borrow the money from someone else. She wanted an apology from… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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