Phrasal Verb: Back down
English Meaning: Withdraw or concede defeat
Hindi Meaning: पीछे हटना; हार मानना
Slug: back-down-meaning-usage-examples
The phrasal verb “back down” is used when someone withdraws from a previous position, stance, or argument, especially due to pressure or the realization that they are wrong. It implies conceding defeat or retreating from a challenge.
What Does “Back down” Mean?
“Back down” generally means:
- To withdraw or concede defeat: It refers to giving up in a situation, often after a dispute or argument, or realizing that one cannot win.
In Hindi, “back down” translates to “पीछे हटना” or “हार मानना”, meaning to withdraw or concede defeat in a situation.
Hindi Meaning of “Back down”
For Hindi speakers, “back down” is best understood as:
- “पीछे हटना” – किसी विवाद, चुनौती या दावे से पीछे हटना।
- “हार मानना” – किसी प्रतिस्पर्धा या तर्क में हार मानना।
For example:
- “He finally backed down after the argument escalated” translates to “वह अंततः विवाद बढ़ने के बाद पीछे हट गया।”
- “She backed down when she realized she was wrong” translates to “वह हार मान गई जब उसने समझा कि वह गलत थी।”
How to Use “Back down” in Sentences
Below are five practical examples demonstrating the use of “back down” in different contexts:
Example 1: After a long discussion, he decided to back down and accept the compromise.
Hindi: लंबी चर्चा के बाद, उसने पीछे हटने का निर्णय लिया और समझौते को स्वीकार किया।
Example 2: She refused to back down in the face of criticism and continued her work.
Hindi: आलोचनाओं का सामना करने के बावजूद, उसने हार मानने से इंकार किया और अपने काम को जारी रखा।
Example 3: The company backed down from its original offer after customer complaints.
Hindi: ग्राहक की शिकायतों के बाद कंपनी ने अपनी मूल पेशकश से पीछे हटने का निर्णय लिया।
Example 4: He was pressured to back down from his strong stance on the issue.
Hindi: उसे इस मुद्दे पर अपने मजबूत रुख से पीछे हटने के लिए दबाव डाला गया।
Example 5: Despite his initial refusal, he backed down when he understood the consequences.
Hindi: प्रारंभिक इंकार के बावजूद, उसने जब परिणाम समझे, तो उसने हार मान ली।
Common Mistakes When Using “Back down”
Incorrect: “She backed down from the argument, but still believes she’s right.”
Correct: “She backed down from the argument, but still believes she’s right.”
Incorrect: “They backed down their position on the matter.” Correct: “They backed down from their position on the matter.”
Questions for Test
- What does the phrasal verb “back down” mean in the context of a dispute?
- How would you use “back down” in a sentence about conceding defeat in an argument?
- Translate “He backed down from his tough stance” into Hindi.
- What is the difference between “back down” and “give up”?
- Rewrite the sentence “She quit the argument” using “back down.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can “back down” be used in both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, “back down” is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, especially when describing someone retreating from a position, challenge, or argument.
How do you know when to use “back down”?
You use “back down” when someone withdraws from a previous position or challenge, typically because of pressure, the realization of being wrong, or an inability to win.
What is the passive form of “back down”?
The passive form is:
Example: “The demand was backed down after much consideration.”
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