[Phrasal Verb] BACK OUT - Mastering Useful English Expressions: Reconsidering Commitments

Withdraw from an agreement.

The phrasal verb "back out" encapsulates the idea of withdrawing from a previously agreed upon decision or situation. Commonly used in both business and personal contexts, it implies a retreat from promises or plans due to changing circumstances or reconsiderations. For instance, if someone agrees to participate in a project but later finds it unmanageable, they might decide to "back out" of the commitment, signaling a change of mind that can affect all parties involved.

Example Sentences

1. He backed out of the driveway.

   back out means to reverse out of a space or commitment

2. She decided to back out of the agreement.

   she decided to withdraw from the agreement

3. They tried to back out but were too late.

   they attempted to reverse out but were too late