back off

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.

He had to back off a little to manage overheating brakes for 10 laps but then was able to pull away again.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Deborah famously tried to muzzle Ava a few times, only to back off when she realized that by hurting her protégé, she was wounding herself.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

“Sometimes you just need to show up and talk to the community, to get them to back off, leave it alone.”

From Slate • May 27, 2026

At times, the piano players in his groups would simply back off during part of Rollins’ solos, loath to risk following the twisting pathways of his improvising.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

“Don’t you think maybe you should back off a little?”

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli