Phrasal Verbs - Back (Back down v Back out v Back up)

Back down – give way, admit defeat

Ø     After weeks of negotiations, the management finally backed down and accepted the workers’ demands for a salary increase.

Ø     The fierce opposition from the local residents has forced the local council to back down from approving the demolition of the heritage building.

Back out – to back out from an initially agreement or promise

Ø      You agreed to help out at the charity event. You can’t back out now!

Ø      They backed out of the deal days before they were due to sign the contract.

Back up – support

Ø      Don’t worry. I’ll back you up at the meeting if the manager objects to anything you say.