back out

verb

1. to withdraw (from an agreement, etc)

Idioms and Phrases

Move or retreat backwards without turning; same as back away , def. 1.

Also, back out of something . Withdraw from a situation, or break an agreement or engagement. For example, After the announcement appeared in the papers, Mary found it doubly difficult to back out of her engagement to Todd . [Early 1800s] Also see go back on .

Example Sentences

Piastri had the best start of all in the top three, but had to back out of a challenge, and that let Leclerc attack him, and pass on the exit of Turn One.

From BBC

They’ve currently been scaled back out of concerns that it all might get too overwhelming.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m just happy I get to be back out there,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Fleetwood pushed his lead back out to two with birdies on the 12th and 13th holes.

From BBC

Despite mounting pressure to move the 2028 Olympics, steep financial penalties and historical precedent make it unlikely host L.A. could back out.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• back down 
• cancel 
• give up 
• renege 
• surrender