What is "back off"

"retreat, stop annoying someone," by 1938, from the verbal phrase, from back (v.) + off (adv.).

vb. 1 (context literally English) To move backwards away from something. 2 (context idiomatic English) To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act. 3 (context idiomatic English) To lower the setting of.

1. v. move backwards from a certain position; "The bully had to back down" [syn: back up, back down]

2. remove oneself from an obligation; "He bowed out when he heard how much work was involved" [syn: chicken out, pull out, back down, bow out]