to back out

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To retreat from a difficulty, to refuse to fulfil a promise or engagement. A metaphor borrowed from the stables.


Mr. Bedinger, in his remarks in the House of Representatives on the Mexican war, Jan. 25, 1848, said:

He regretted the bloodshed in Mexico, and wished it would stop. But, he asked, would gentlemen be willing to back out, and forsake our rights? No, no. No turning back. This great country must go ahead.

The Whigs undertook to cut down the price of printing to a fair rate, but at last backed out, and voted to pay the old prices.--N. Y. Tribune.

To all appearance, we are on the eve of a bloody contest, if not a revolution. What will be the consequence? One or the other party must back out, or no one can tell what will be the result.--Nat. Intelligencer.

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