| 释义 |
back downback downTo retreat from a particular idea or course of action, often in a conflict. I refuse to back down—this law must be passed, in the interest of public safety. The bully backed down after all of my friends came with me to confront him. See also: back, down Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. back down (something)to go down something backwards, such as a ladder or inclined driveway. Harry backed down the ladder safely. Looking behind him, he backed down slowly. See also: back, down back down(from someone or something) to yield to a person or a thing; to fail to carry through on a threat. Jane backed down from her position on the budget. It's probably better to back down from this situation; looks like you are at a disadvantage. See also: back, down back down(on something) to lessen or drop an earlier rigid position on something; to yield something in an argument. She backed down on her demands. In the end, she backed down. See also: back, down McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. back down1. Reverse one's upward course, descend. For example, When she saw the wasps' nest on the roof, she hastily backed down the ladder. This literal usage usually refers to something one has climbed, such as a ladder or mountain. [Mid-1800s] 2. Also, back off. Retreat or yield. For example, As the watchdog began to snarl the letter carrier backed off, or You have a good point; now don't back down when you present it to the board. [First half of 1900s] Also see back away, def. 2. See also: back, down The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. back downv.1. To move backward through some region, especially in a vehicle: We backed down the driveway. 2. To cause something, especially a vehicle, to move backward through some region or space: I slowly backed the truck down the hill. 3. To withdraw from a position or confrontation, especially due to intimidation: The smaller bear kept growling so loudly that the larger bear backed down and walked away. Even though they appeared to have a very strong argument against me, I wouldn't back down, and I eventually showed them their conclusions were wrong. See also: back, down The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. See also:- draw/pull in one's horns, to
- burn one's bridges/boats, to
- beat back
- battle against
- pull back
- fall back
- beat a (hasty/quick) retreat, to
- back room
- move back
- dummy up
References in periodicals archive "He landed in the country last night so I don't see any point in him coming all the way back up the country just to go back down to the South-east. Kei set to link up with squad The actress was unapologetic this week as she promoted the movie, telling interviewers that classifying "Won't Back Down" as an unequivocally anti-union movie is an "oversimplified" way of viewing the issue. Maggie Gyllenhaal: The Proud Lefty Says Teachers Union Has 'Huge Problems' They were all brought safely back down to the ground 20 minutes later. Kids stuck up a tree British Airways will not back down in the year-long cabin crew dispute and is ready to run a near-full service in the event of another strike, the airline's chief executive, Willie Walsh, has said. BA strikes 'Unite's fault' IF the classic 80s fairytale The Karate Kid sparred with cult 90s hit Fight Club, the bloodied, bruised pulp to emerge from the melee would be Never Back Down, a tale of brawling guys, bikini-clad girls and broken families. culture films: ACTION They forced Bush and his attorney general to back down, as they should have. They don't know Jack "I don't see it coming back down for a bit," he says. Mixed messages / And even though I walk through the Hood of death, I don't back down for you have my back.... Hip hop hope At first Enfield council refused to back down but has now relented, saying the money did not need to be paid. Heartless council withdraws tax bill "You do a forward somersault in the air, push the kayak, do a front flip and come back down flat in the water," Emily explains. Water world I'd been positive he'd never back down. How could he? Nuggets & bites Throw enough mud and some of it sticks, well throw enough proposed changes of service, dilute the opposition, and you can temporarily back down on a high profile change, and sneak the others through the back door. Cynical tactics The Fed's more optimistic statements regarding inflation at the meeting have produced the opposite effect on the fixed rate 10-year Treasury bond however, helping it sink back down after spiking in March, and could help perpetuate, at least for the time being, peak real estate values associated with low financing costs. Interest rates riddle keeps investors on their toes Gravity pulls the water back down, fanning waves outward. How did this happen? Scientists try to unravel what caused the devastating tsunami last December Even then, Cassie doesn't back down, but tracks the thugs to their hideout and ultimately learns the truth behind all that has gone on. Family Ties |