Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - back away

1. If you back away from a commitment that you made or something that you were involved with in the past, you try to show that you are no longer committed to it or involved with it. The company backed away from plans to cut their pay by 15%... Until yesterday, Britain had backed away because it didn’t like the cost. = retreat PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P 2. If you back away, you walk backwards away from someone or something, often because you are frightened of them. James got to his feet and started to come over, but the girls hastily backed away. PHRASAL VERB: V P, also V P from n