verb
She backed a 35-to-2 long shot in the Derby, and she won
When Percy stood up to him, the bully backed down. The investment sounded risky, so I backed off. Philippa backed out of singing the leading role. Back up and give me room!
Also, back up
Your mother and I will back you if you want to start a business
He backed into the driveway
noun
She stood with her back towards me
Here come the hounds at the back of the fox. You were at my back in the queue a minute ago
Graham is always telling tales about you behind your back
The responsibility for the decision is on your back
He turned his back on her when she needed him most
After the stock-market crash, some brokers found themselves with their backs to the wall
break the back of
Now that he's broken the back of that problem he can get on with his work
The government has tried on many occasions to break the back of the Mafia operation
adjective
Both back tyres are flat. Please use the back staircase from now on
They raised three boys in the back country, and all of them became doctors
The tax inspector has advised me that I owe thousands in back taxes
adverb
We beat back the enemy in severe hand-to-hand fighting. I accepted his offer at once, lest he should draw back. Get back from the edge!
I'll pay you back when I have the money. She gave him back as good as he had given
Two generations back, his was the finest house in the town
We are a week back in the rent
He has gone back on his promise to send the payment on the first of every month
US