back off

Definitions

1. 1

   To move backwards away from something.

   • I tried to back off slowly from the tiger in my path.
2. 2

   To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

   • You need to back off, or the situation could turn ugly.
   • I was going to sue until my legal advisors told me to back off.
   • Republicans on Capitol Hill, who were gearing up to use Graeme as evidence that Democrats have overexpanded the health program to include families wealthy enough to afford private insurance, have backed off.
3. 3

   To lower the setting of.

   • Could you back off the volume a bit? It’s really loud.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see back, off.

      • The machine may go back off if it gets too hot. [= turn off again, turn back off].

The neighborhood