drops back

Recedes from position

Drops back describes moving to a position behind where one started.

In football, a quarterback drops back from the line of scrimmage to pass: He drops back five yards and looks downfield.

More generally, someone drops back in a race or formation by falling behind others: She drops back to let the leaders pass.

football

quarterback

Passing position in football

  • pocketFabric compartment in clothing
  • snapSudden sharp sound
  • passerOne who transfers something

passing · throw · receiver · blitz · sack · scramble · play-action · offensive line · protection · coverage

retreat

withdraw

Remove or pull away

disengage · retreat · yield · recoil · backpedal · reposition · distance · lag · trail · fade

decline

decrease

Become or make smaller

  • diminishTo make smaller
  • slipMinor error or misstep
  • dipBrief immersion or condiment

fall · slide · slump · reduce · shrink · wane · ebb · taper · subside · weaken

Opposites
forward/backward movement

drops backmoves forward

Progresses in direction faced

advances · pushes forward · progresses · proceeds

position in formation/ranking

drops backpulls ahead

Gains the lead

advances · rises · climbs · catches up · overtakes

sports/football context

drops backrushes

Moves very quickly

runs up · steps up · takes off · rolls out · sneaks

Family

drop, drops, back, backs, dropped, dropping, dropper, droplet, droplets

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G