Question

Select the meaning of the given phrase/idiom-
Back out
a- Leave a fight
b- Go back
c- Go out
d- Withdraw from an agreement, a promise etc

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a phrase or a group of words that indicate a metaphorical meaning in comparison to the literal meaning of its words. ‘Back out’ refers to abandoning or pulling out of something.

Complete answer:
The idiom ‘back out’ was derived in the early 19th century. We know the meaning and the origin of the idiom ‘back out’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- The old lady decided to back out on her offer to help with babysitting. Here, we can comprehend that an old lady, X, decided to abandon or withdraw from her promise to help with babysitting.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Leave a fight’ refers to surrendering or giving up. For example- The boys decided to leave the fight. ‘Leave a fight’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Go back’ refers to returning or coming back. For example- We were asked to go back after the rehearsals. ‘Go back’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Go out’ refers to stepping or venturing outside. For example- I asked her if she wanted to go out for a walk. ‘Go out’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Withdraw from an agreement, a promise etc’ refers to backing out or abandoning from one’s promise. It is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option. The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note:
Keep in mind, ‘back out’ is also a phrasal verb because it is formed with the help of the verb ‘back’ and the adverb ‘out’. For example- The dealers decided to back out from the deal.