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Quaerereverum Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Back down, step back

Hello,

Dogs noticed other animals often backed down before the fight even began. Can I use step back as a synonym for back down?

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

Hi, No. If I back down , it means I retreat (figuratively or literally) in a cowardly manner. If I step back , it means more that I just move backwards to get more space.

— Clive

  • Hi, No.
  • If I back down , it means I retreat (figuratively or literally) in a cowardly manner.
  • If I step back , it means more that I just move backwards to get more space.
  • Maybe I am scared.
  • Or maybe I want room to swing my arm and punch you on the nose.
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2 Answers
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Hi,

No.

If I back down, it means I retreat (figuratively or literally) in a cowardly manner.

If I step back, it means more that I just move backwards to get more space. Maybe I am scared. Or maybe I want room to swing my
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