Meaning & use
backing away
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“backing away” is a form of “back away”.
Meanings
verbintransitive
To move backward, especially to get away from something frightening or dangerous.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from' to show what you are avoiding.
Patterns
- back away from someone/something
The dog started backing away when it saw the snake.
She kept backing away from the edge of the cliff.
verbintransitive
To gradually stop being involved in a situation or supporting an idea.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from' or used alone.
Patterns
- back away from something
The company is backing away from its earlier promise to raise wages.
Politicians often back away when the issue becomes unpopular.
Word forms
| base form | back away |
|---|---|
| third person singular | backs away |
| past tense | backed away |
| past participle | backed away |
| -ing form | backing away |
Common combinations
- back away slowly
- He backed away slowly, trying not to make any noise.
- back away from a fight
- She decided to back away from the fight rather than argue.
- back away from a deal
- The investors backed away from the deal at the last minute.
Synonyms and how they differ
- retreat
- More formal and often used for armies or large groups; 'back away' is more everyday and suggests a slow, cautious movement.
- withdraw
- Often used for ending involvement in something, like a business or agreement; 'back away' is less formal and can also mean physical movement.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
When the angry customer started shouting, the waiter _______.
Choose one answer.
'Backed away' fits because it means moved backward to avoid something. 'Backed out' means withdrew from an agreement, 'backed up' means supported or reversed a car, and 'backed on' is not a standard phrasal verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “backing away”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.