Meaning
- To stop being involved in a situation, usually in order to allow other people to deal with it.
- Something you say to stop someone from bothering or threatening you.
Today's Sentences
01
Just back off!
Situation
You shouldn’t come home so late and not tell us where you’ve been.
Just back off!
That’s no way to talk to me.
I’m sorry but I just need some space.
02
Back off from too much exercise.
Situation
My back is killing me.
Back off from too much exercise.
Really?
Do you think it’s a muscle strain?
It’s certainly possible.
Writer's Note
To "back off" from someone or something means to leave someone alone or withdraw from a situation, often used when someone is being too pushy or aggressive. It may sound rude and isn’t the nicest way to express your feelings. It’s often used in a defensive or angry tone.
- Intransitive: To "back off" is considered an intransitive phrasal verb as it does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.
Example: Don't come any closer, back off. - Inseparable: A non-separable phrasal verb means you cannot place an object between the verb and the particle.
Correct Example 1: ✅ You need to back off.
Correct Example 2: ✅ He told me to back off.
Let's look at some separated examples!
Incorrect Example 1: ❌ You need to back the situation off.
Incorrect Example 2: ❌ He told me to back her off.
These are incorrect because "back off" doesn’t take a direct object and its particle off can’t be moved away from the verb.
Related Words: Retreat, withdraw, pull back, step back, draw back, move back, pull away, pull back, recede, retire, withdraw.
