back off

What does "back off" mean?

1. To move away from someone or something
2. To stop interfering or pressuring someone

Examples

• Back off! You're in my personal space.
• The government backed off from its strict policies.
• Tell him to back off and leave me alone.
• The dog backed off when I raised my voice.
• You need to back off and let her make her own decisions.

How to use it

'Back off!' as a command is direct and somewhat aggressive. Often used when feeling threatened or pressured.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• back up

  To move backwards

• back down

  To withdraw from a position or demand

• back out

  To withdraw from an agreement or commitment

• turn off

  To stop a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button

• get off

  To leave a bus, train, plane, or other public transport

• go off

  To explode or fire (bomb, gun, fireworks)