back out
Abandon a promise
Back out means to withdraw from a commitment or agreement after initially accepting: He backed out of the deal at the last minute, She was supposed to come but backed out.
The image is of retreating from something you've stepped into.
You can also physically back out of a space—reversing a car from a driveway or garage.
Break a pledge
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- cancelRevoke or terminate
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- bailCourt-set release payment
default · change mind · get cold feet · flake · ditch · desert · forsake · stand up
Break free from attachment
leave · vacate · depart · evacuate · regroup · disentangle · extricate · yield
renege
Break a pledge
bail · default · change mind · get cold feet · flake · ditch · desert · forsake · stand up · no-show
disengage
Break free from attachment
exit · leave · vacate · depart · evacuate · regroup · disentangle · extricate · yield · cede
rescind
Formally cancel or withdraw
nullify · void · repudiate · disavow · abrogate · countermand · invalidate · breach · violate · walk away
hesitate
Pause in uncertainty
shrink · waver · falter · panic · dread · anxiety · trepidation · timidity · cowardice · cold feet
- cancelcancel, annul, nullify, invalidate, revoke
- decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no
- giving upgive up, giving up, quit, quitting, surrender
- leavingdeparture, quit, walking away, withdrawing, bail
- quittingquit, resign, resignation, stop, end
- persuasion tacticscharm, butter up, flattery, flatter, coax
back outfollow through
Complete an intended action
go through with · keep one's word · see through · carry out · honor
back outcome through
Fulfill when needed
show up · deliver the goods · hold up one's end · keep faith
back, out, outback, back off, back away, backed out, backing out, backs out