move back

Related to move back: fall off, call on, try out, in favor, overhyped

move back

1. To move backward; to recede or retreat (away from someone or something). We all moved back when we realized the bear was alive. Kids, move back! That snake is dangerous.
2. To cause or compel someone or something to move backward or away from someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "move" and "back." Police officers moved the crowd of people back from the scene of the crime. Would you move the TV back a ways? It's a little too close to the sofa.
3. To return to a previous location or position. I changed seats to be next to my friend during the play, but I moved back when an usher came and scolded me. The lever has a spring inside of it, so it will move back as soon as you let go.
4. To cause or compel someone or something to return to a previous location or position. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "move" and "back." Be sure to move the furniture back after you're done painting the walls. I tried sneaking to a seat in the back of the class so I could my book, but the teacher caught me and moved me back.
See also: back, move
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

move someone or something back (from someone or something)

to cause someone or something to move back and away from someone or something. Please move your child back from the lawn mower. Move everyone back from the street.
See also: back, move

move back (from someone or something)

to move back and away. (Often a command.) Please move back from the edge. Please move back!
See also: back, move
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • back over
  • back over (someone or something)
  • back
  • back at (something or some place)
  • backed up
  • burn one's bridges/boats, to
  • beat back
  • come back and see us
  • brush back
  • be/go back to square one
References in periodicals archive
I believe he had a chance to move back to Brazil, but he has decided to stay back in Dubai and we respect his decision," Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu told media.
Olaroiu says Ribeiro turned down move back to Brazil
If he really wants you back then he should move back to England and into his own place, not straight in with you.
Cheating ex wants new chance; Dear Coleen; THE STRAIGHT-TALKING PROBLEM PAGE
Cisse is hoping a move back to Europe can enhance his chances of representing France at the World Cup finals next summer.
Cisse eyeing French move
Alberto Aquilani has flown to Italy to try and secure a move back to Serie A
Rodgers shows Aquilani the door
The chairman and directors, using false names, post messages against you on fan forums - move back 10 places.
Directors a haven't a Cluedo!
As compared with youth in other countries, young people in the United States generally move out of their parents' homes at an early age, but they are thought to be more apt to move back repeatedly after they leave.
With no jobs, young people move home
After graduating with their degree, these young individuals are not willing to move back to work at the traditional blue-collar jobs typically found in rural America.
The future of rural communities
The AC Milan midfielder had previously claimed he would make an emotional move back to Ibrox towards the end of his career.
Bayern go for Gattuso
For the last three years she has been head of department at a solicitor's in Stourbridge but wanted to move back to having more direct involvement with clients.
LEGAL FINANCE: Woolley has new family expert
Another 64 families will move back into their homes when those floors are open.
First 8 floors reopen at Plumley Village
"All my friends and family are in Birmingham and I am looking to move back here," said 27-year-old Webbe, who grew up in Bordesley Green.
Simon: I'm moving back to Birmingham; SHOWBIZ: Pop bands add sparkle as 30,000 turn out for Brum's big Christmas switch-on
The EPA doesn't say whether it's safe for residents to move back to New Orleans.
Arsenic and old waste: the environmental legacy of hurricane Katrina
However, while many have supported the Tamil Tigers as their best chance to move back to a Sri Lanka without ethnic discrimination, many Tamils are questioning some of the group's policies.
Inside the whirlwind: in the wake of the tsunami, progressive Sri Lankans question the politics of aid
Nicholas, 34, sold his house before Christmas to move back to London where he also has a home.
Soap doc sells Wye hideaway
The National Beef Association has asked Defra to tell the industry exactly when the OTM rule will be changed and beef from cows born after July 1996 can move back on to the market.
Guidance plea on OTM rule change