fall back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But at least Germany had the safety net of penalties, and could fall back on a perfect 100% World Cup shootout record of played four, won four.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

Some kids would be a little bit more reserved and fall back.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

When imagination fails, the boys fall back on “formats”—copy-and-paste scripts traded online and passed phone to phone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

Bris urged the government to instead continue its reforms of SiS homes, and to strengthen networks around children in institutional care to ensure they do not fall back into criminality on their release.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

What she would fall back on was Grandpa, of course.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns