push back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Strongly resist or oppose an idea
Why “back”? You move back to make physical or emotional space.
“Staff pushed back on the changes.”
“Parents pushed back against the new rule.”
Don't confuse with
Push back means strongly resist or oppose an idea. Push over means push something so it falls on its side.
Test yourself
“Staff pushed back on the changes.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
push over
A contrast learners often mix up
Push something so it falls on its side
cut back
Same back pattern: distance
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
die back
Same back pattern: distance
(of a plant) lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
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
Practice “push back” in Sink In
Drill this and 600+ phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by particle.