back up — retreat strategically
To withdraw, concede ground, or step back from a position, argument, or situation in a controlled or deliberate way, often to reassess or avoid escalation.
Say it like a native
Textbook Let us withdraw from this position and reassess our approach.
Native Let's back up a bit and rethink this.
'Back up a bit' is the natural way to say 'let's step back and reconsider'; the formal version is stiff.
Pattern: back up (from something) | back up (on something)
In use
- Realising the discussion was becoming heated, she decided to back up and reconsider her approach.negotiation
- In high-stakes negotiations, it is sometimes necessary to back up from one's initial demands in order to reach a mutually acceptable compromise.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He finally backed up and admitted he was wrong.
✓ He finally backed down and admitted he was wrong.
Conceding in an argument is 'back DOWN'; 'back up' is stepping back to reconsider (or supporting someone — other senses).
Common collocations
back up (and rethink)— a bit, a step, and start again, let's
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 senses ('support someone', 'reverse a vehicle', 'make a copy'), this sense is figurative and refers to strategically withdrawing from a stance or situation, not physically moving backwards or providing support.
Related
- back up (support someone) — 'back up' also has the more basic meaning 'support someone'; this is the advanced sense.