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English
back down
Meaning: to stop defending a demand, threat, or position; to yield
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Verb inflections
| Form | Inflected form |
|---|---|
| Base | back down |
| 3rd person singular present | backs down |
| Present participle | backing down |
| Past | backed down |
| Will future | will back down |
| Going-to future | going to back down |
| Imperative negative | don't back down / do not back down |
Example
The council refused to back down after residents protested.
The council refused to back down after residents protested.
Usage Notes
An intransitive phrasal verb used in conflicts, negotiations, or arguments when someone gives up or refuses to give up a stance.
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