back off
Give some space
Back off means to withdraw or retreat, either physically or figuratively.
You might back off from a confrontation, or someone might tell you to back off when you're being too aggressive or intrusive: Back off—this is none of your business.
It can also mean to reduce pressure or intensity: The company backed off its demands after the backlash.
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- recedeMove back from
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- distanceSpace between two points
give ground · stand down · move away · reverse · recoil · vacate · exit · leave
Space between two points
- roomEnclosed interior area
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- gapUnfilled space between
- bufferProtective intermediate space
breathing room · personal space · berth · margin · leeway · separation · interval · elbow room
Present for consideration
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- capitulateYield under pressure
- concedeAdmit something reluctantly
- give inCease resistance, concede
acquiesce · defer · comply · cave · relent · fold · succumb · cede
Render harmless
- calm downBecome less agitated
- ease upBecome less intense
- relentCease resistance or severity
- softenMake less firm
let up · stand down · make peace · reconcile · pacify · soothe · placate · mediate
Indication of potential harm
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- menaceSource of potential harm
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
provocation · challenge · hostility · aggression · pressure · coercion · bullying · strongarm
withdraw
Remove or pull away
distance · give ground · stand down · move away · reverse · recoil · vacate · exit · leave · depart
distance
Space between two points
buffer · breathing room · personal space · berth · margin · leeway · separation · interval · elbow room · boundary
submit
Present for consideration
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- capitulateYield under pressure
- concedeAdmit something reluctantly
give in · acquiesce · defer · comply · cave · relent · fold · succumb · cede · bow
defuse
Render harmless
soften · let up · stand down · make peace · reconcile · pacify · soothe · placate · mediate · conciliate
threat
Indication of potential harm
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- menaceSource of potential harm
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
confrontation · provocation · challenge · hostility · aggression · pressure · coercion · bullying · strongarm · demand
- motion idiomsin motion, on the move, on the go, move forward, move along
- retreatwithdrawal, retreating, withdraw, pullback, retreat
- Stay Awaykeep out, stay away, leave alone, keep away, no touching
- Back Offbutt out, keep away, stay out, keep out, stand down
- retreat commandswithdraw, retreat, disengage, pull out, evacuate
- Boundary phrasesno, stop, enough, boundaries, leave me alone
back offadvance
Move or progress forward
move forward · approach · come closer · step forward · press forward
back offpress on
Continue despite hardship
push forward · double down · stand firm · hold your ground · dig in
back, off, backing, background, backup, comeback, backed, backdrop, feedback