die back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
(of a plant)lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
Why “back”? Back creates distance or reduces progress. The change can affect a place, position, amount, promise, or plan.
“The hostas die back in winter.”
“The stems die back after the first frost.”
Don't confuse with
Die back means lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive. Die away means lose intensity until silent.
Test yourself
“The hostas die back in winter.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
die away
A contrast learners often mix up
Lose intensity until silent
cut back
Same back pattern: distance
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
draw back
Same back pattern: distance
Move yourself away in hesitation
drive back
Same back pattern: distance
Force an attacker to retreat
drop back
Same back pattern: distance
Move to a position further behind
edge back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backward in small cautious steps
fall back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
go back
Same back pattern: distance
Return to a place; (of a friendship or history) date from a particular time; Withdraw from a promise or agreement
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