back out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Withdraw from a commitment or agreement
Why “out”? Someone leaves a plan, group, promise, or activity they were part of.
“He backed out at the last minute.”
“The sponsor backed out of the event.”
Don't confuse with
Back out means withdraw from a commitment or agreement. Back up means make a digital copy of data as a safeguard.
Test yourself
“He backed out at the last minute.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back up
A contrast learners often mix up
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard; Support someone's claim, story or position; Move backward along the same path; (of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
chicken out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Decide not to do something at the last minute because you are afraid
drop out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Stop attending a school or course before finishing
opt out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Choose not to take part in something
pull out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Withdraw from a commitment
sit out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Decide not to take part in an activity
back away
Same base verb: back
Move away or distance yourself, often from fear or caution
back down
Same base verb: back
Withdraw from a position
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