back out (of something)

back out (of something)

1. To withdraw from or renege on something, such as a given commitment, promise, plan, or situation. She was considered a strong contender to win the local election, but she backed out at the last minute and continued working as CEO of her company. John was so nervous that he decided to back out of the marriage on the morning of his wedding.
2. To move out (of something or some place) in reverse. Go slowly as you back out of the driveway. I backed out of the room when I realized Mom and Dad were in the middle of an argument. We'll both lift one side of the table to get it out of the kitchen. You back out, and I'll direct you as I walk forward.
3. To cause, guide, or direct someone or something to move out (of something or some place) in reverse. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "back" and "out." Would you mind backing the car out of this parking spot for me? The police officer backed us out of the office before we could ask the senator any questions. Please be careful when you're backing the boat out of the trailer! I just had it painted, and I don't want to get any scratches on it.
See also: back, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

back someone or something out (from something)

to back someone or something out of something. Judy backed out the car from the parking place. She backed it out from its space.
See also: back, out

back out

 (of something)
1. Lit. [for someone or something] to move out of something backwards. The rabbit tried to back out of its burrow. The rabbit backed out.
2. Fig. [for someone] to withdraw from something, such as an agreement, negotiations, an argument, etc. Are you going to try to back out of our agreement? You won't back out, will you?
See also: back, out

back someone or something out of something

 and back someone or something out
to guide or move someone or something backwards out of something or some place. Judy backed the car out of the garage. Please back out the car. Don backed Fred out of the garage.
See also: back, of, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

back out

1. Move or retreat backwards without turning; same as back away, def. 1.
2. Also, back out of something. Withdraw from a situation, or break an agreement or engagement. For example, After the announcement appeared in the papers, Mary found it doubly difficult to back out of her engagement to Todd . [Early 1800s] Also see go back on.
See also: back, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

back out

v.
1. To move backward out of some region: The bear backed out of the cave.
2. To move or drive something backward out of some region: The sergeant backed the tank out of the trench. We picked up the heavy sofa and slowly backed it out of the living room and onto the porch.
3. To decide not to keep a commitment or promise: They backed out of the deal at the last minute. We had a plan to finish the work together, but they backed out.
See also: back, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • back out
  • back out from (something)
  • back out of
  • renege
  • renege on
  • renege on (something)
  • go back on (one's) promise
  • go back on (something)
  • go back on
  • go back on word