back away

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See synonyms for back away on Thesaurus.com

Walk backward, as in He cautiously backed away from the fire.

Gradually retreat, withdraw, as in Since he couldn't convince his colleagues, he's backing away from his original idea. Both usages employ the verb back in the sense of “retreat,” dating from the late 1400s. Also see back down; back out.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby back away

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How to use back away in a sentence

The Prime Minister was always confident that Scotland would back away if presented with the opportunity to go it alone.
Anarchy for the U.K.? British Leaders Panicking Over Scottish Vote for Independence|Nico Hines|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But if Moscow eases up pressure on Assad, he could easily back away from his commitments to hand over his chemical stockpiles.
Obama Gambles Iran Nuke Talks to Punish Putin|Josh Rogin, Eli Lake|March 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And typically, the pugnacious New Jerseyan refuses to back away.
A Thinner Chris Christie Still Faces Big Political Challenges|Robert Shrum|May 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Slowly and cautiously, so as to avoid some sort of rock slide--but back away, none the less.
Could US Debt Reach a Tipping Point?|Megan McArdle|February 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST

It will be interesting to see whether women start moving back away from Romney after hearing what he and Ryan have in store.
At Vice-Presidential Debate, Paul Ryan Is Frank About Roe v. Wade Plans|Michelle Goldberg|October 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
We went winding in and out amongst the trees, and sometimes the vines hung so thick we had to back away and go some other way.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Complete|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
Several tried to back away, and Hans pitched over Tom and both went in a heap.
The Rover Boys on the Farm|Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
He hugged the wall and moved back away from the spot where the watcher would be expecting him.
Unwise Child|Gordon Randall Garrett
Well, Uncle Wiggily started to jump back away from the door of the little house, but it was too late.
Uncle Wiggily's Adventures|Howard R. Garis
The hours flew until the tug signaled that she must cast loose and back away from the reef.
The Pillar of Light|Louis Tracy

back away

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How to use back away in a sentence