backs out
Abandons the plan
Backs out means to withdraw from a commitment or agreement after initially agreeing to it: He backed out of the deal at the last minute, She was going to come to the party but backed out.
The image is of reversing direction—like a car backing out of a driveway—applied to plans or promises.
Pulls out or removes
- retractsWithdraws a statement
- rescindsOfficially cancels or withdraws
- cancelsRevokes or nullifies
- revokesFormally cancels or withdraws
reneges · retreats · pulls out · bails · aborts · abandons · disengages · exits
Switches to opposite direction
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- pulls outRemoves or extracts
- exitsDeparture points
- steersControls direction of travel
parks · unparks · three-point turn · driveway · garage · parallel parks · repositions · navigates
Fails to decide
- hesitatesShows momentary indecision
- balksStops short, unwilling
- second-guessesDoubts after deciding
- reconsidersReviews a prior decision
vacillates · equivocates · dithers · stalls · pauses · falters · waffles · hedges
withdraws
Pulls out or removes
revokes · reneges · retreats · pulls out · bails · aborts · abandons · disengages · exits · quits
reverses
Switches to opposite direction
steers · parks · unparks · three-point turn · driveway · garage · parallel parks · repositions · navigates · clears
wavers
Fails to decide
- hesitatesShows momentary indecision
- balksStops short, unwilling
- second-guessesDoubts after deciding
reconsiders · vacillates · equivocates · dithers · stalls · pauses · falters · waffles · hedges · doubts