fell back
Withdrew from position
Fell back is the past tense of fall back, meaning to retreat or withdraw: The troops fell back to defensive positions.
It also means to resort to something as a backup: When the plan failed, we fell back on our savings.
Someone who fell back physically moved backward or reclined: She fell back onto the pillows.
- recoiledShrank back suddenly
- declinedRefused or diminished
- regressRevert to earlier state
- lean onDepend on for support
- beat a retreatWithdraw from confrontation
lost footing · plan B · lose ground · deteriorate · withdraw · retreat · return · resort · revert · degenerate · caved in · pull away · contingency · relapse · backtrack · backslide · recede · rely
fell backadvanced
Far along in development
pushed forward · moved forward · pressed on · attacked · counterattacked
fell backpulled ahead
Gained the lead
advanced · forged ahead · caught up · overtook · climbed
fell backinnovated
Created something original
forged ahead · pioneered · improvised · pushed through · broke new ground
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