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back up — 4 meanings

One phrase, 4 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb4 meanings
  1. 1 support someoneTo give help or show that you agree with someone, especially in an argument or difficult situation.
  2. 2 reverse a vehicleTo move a car or other vehicle backwards.
  3. 3 make a copyTo make an extra copy of computer files or data in case the original is lost or damaged.
  4. 4 retreat strategicallyTo withdraw, concede ground, or step back from a position, argument, or situation in a controlled or deliberate way, often to reassess or avoid escalation.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

support someone

B1back sb upspokenMost common

To give help or show that you agree with someone, especially in an argument or difficult situation.

My friends always back me up when I need help.

A: I told the teacher what happened, but she didn't believe me.
B: Don't worry, I'll back you up.

In group projects, it's important to back up your teammates so everyone feels confident.

Common mistake

✗Thanks for backing up me in there.

✓Thanks for backing me up in there.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'back me up'.

Tell it apart

My colleague backed me up in the meeting.

supported what I said

My colleague backed down in the meeting.

gave in / withdrew
You can back up a person, an idea, or someone's story.Not the same as 'cover for' (which means to do someone's work for them).

Often paired with

back someone up
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2

reverse a vehicle

B1back up sthspoken

To move a car or other vehicle backwards.

Could you back up a little so I can get out?

A: There's not enough space in front.
B: Okay, I'll back up.

When I took my driving test, I had to back up the car into a parking space.

Common mistake

✗He backed up from the driveway.

✓He backed out of the driveway.

To leave a space in reverse it's 'back out of'; plain 'back up' is just moving backwards.

Tell it apart

Back up — you're too close to the gate.

reverse the car

Back off — you're too close to me.

move away / stop pressuring
Often used when parking or leaving a space.Not the same as 'turn around', which means to change direction completely.

Often paired with

back up (a vehicle)
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3

make a copy

B2back up sth

To make an extra copy of computer files or data in case the original is lost or damaged.

Remember to back up your files before updating your computer.

A: I lost all my photos!
B: Did you back them up anywhere?
A: No, I forgot.

I always back up my assignments on a USB drive to avoid losing my work.

Common mistake

✗Did you backup your files?

✓Did you back up your files?

The verb is two words ('back up'); 'backup' (one word) is the noun — 'make a backup'.

Tell it apart

Back up the files first.

save a copy

Restore the files if it crashes.

bring the copy back
Usually used with computers, phones, or important documents.Not the same as 'upload', which means to send files to the internet.

Often paired with

back up + data
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4

retreat strategically

C2back up from sthspoken

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.

Realising the discussion was becoming heated, she decided to back up and reconsider her approach.

A: You seemed pretty firm on your proposal earlier. What changed?
B: I thought it was wiser to back up a bit and listen to the other team's concerns before pushing further.

In high-stakes negotiations, it is sometimes necessary to back up from one's initial demands in order to reach a mutually acceptable compromise.

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).

Tell it apart

Let's back up and look at this again.

step back to reassess

Let's back down and drop our demand.

give in / concede
'Back up' in this sense is often used in discussions, negotiations, or debates to describe a deliberate withdrawal or softening of one's position. It is neutral in register and implies a tactical or thoughtful move, not a panicked retreat.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.

Often paired with

back up (and rethink)
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support someonereverse a vehiclemake a copyretreat strategically