back off

No object

This verb takes no object at all.

How to say it

Stress the particle, not the verb: back OFF. Saying “BACK off” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.

Link across the gap. The final /k/ of “back” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “back off” is said “ba-ckoff”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.

What it means

To retreat, or to stop pressuring someone.
informal
- “Back off — I need some space to think.”
- “The manager finally backed off after we showed him the data.”
Similar: retreat, ease off

The particle logic

off

Contact is broken: something detaches, leaves, or stops.

Listen + practice

Hear “back off” spoken naturally

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More BACK phrasal verbs

Compare the whole family →

back up

To support someone or something with evidence or assistance.

back down

To withdraw from a position or demand in an argument.

back off — meaning, examples & how to say it