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fall back

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fall back

to move back from something; to retreat from something. The gang members fell back, and I took that opportunity to get away. The troops fell back to regroup.

See also: back, fall

fall back

1. Give ground, retreat, as in The troops fell back before the relentless enemy assault, or He stuck to his argument, refusing to fall back. [c. 1600]

2. Recede, as in The waves fell back from the shore. [c. 1800]

See also: back, fall

fall back

v.

1. To give ground; retreat: After an unsuccessful attempt to retake the city, the soldiers fell back.

2. To recede: The waves fell back, leaving frothy white bubbles on the sand.

3. fall back on To use something as a substitute or backup: If we run out of cash, we will have to fall back on the money in our savings account.

4. fall back on To rely on someone or something for support: At least I can fall back on my friends in times of need.

See also: back, fall

fall back

on/upon

1. To rely on: fall back on old friends in time of need.

2. To resort to: I had to fall back on my savings when I was unemployed.

See also: back, fall