back up — 4 meanings

One phrase, 4 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb4 meanings

back up

support someone reverse a vehicle make a copy retreat strategically

Meaning 1 · most common

support someone

back sb up

To give help or show that you agree with someone, especially in an argument or difficult situation.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

My friends always back me up when I need help.

A: I told the teacher what happened, but she didn't believe me.
B: Don't worry, I'll back you up.

Common mistake

Not: Thanks for backing up me in there.

Say: Thanks for backing me up in there.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'back me up'.

More on “support someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In group projects, it's important to back up your teammates so everyone feels confident.

Tell it apart

My colleague backed me up in the meeting.

supported what I said

My colleague backed down in the meeting.

gave in / withdrew

Goes with

back someone up

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Next meaning: reverse a vehicle

Meaning 2

reverse a vehicle

back up sth

To move a car or other vehicle backwards.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Could you back up a little so I can get out?

A: There's not enough space in front.
B: Okay, I'll back up.

Common mistake

Not: He backed ~~up from~~ the driveway.

Say: He backed out of the driveway.

To leave a space in reverse it's 'back out of'; plain 'back up' is just moving backwards.

More on “reverse a vehicle”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I took my driving test, I had to back up the car into a parking space.

Tell it apart

Back up — you're too close to the gate.

reverse the car

Back off — you're too close to me.

move away / stop pressuring

Goes with

back up (a vehicle)

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Next meaning: make a copy

Meaning 3

make a copy

back up sth

To make an extra copy of computer files or data in case the original is lost or damaged.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Remember to back up your files before updating your computer.

A: I lost all my photos!
B: Did you back them up anywhere?
A: No, I forgot.

Common mistake

Not: Did you ~~backup~~ your files?

Say: Did you back up your files?

The verb is two words ('back up'); 'backup' (one word) is the noun — 'make a backup'.

More on “make a copy”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I always back up my assignments on a USB drive to avoid losing my work.

Tell it apart

Back up the files first.

save a copy

Restore the files if it crashes.

bring the copy back

Goes with

back up + data

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Next meaning: retreat strategically

Meaning 4

retreat strategically

back up from sth

To withdraw, concede ground, or step back from a position, argument, or situation in a controlled or deliberate way, often to reassess or avoid escalation.

How oftenRare

LevelC2

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Realising the discussion was becoming heated, she decided to back up and reconsider her approach.

A: You seemed pretty firm on your proposal earlier. What changed?
B: I thought it was wiser to back up a bit and listen to the other team's concerns before pushing further.

Common mistake

Not: He finally backed up and admitted he was wrong.

Say: He finally backed down and admitted he was wrong.

Conceding in an argument is 'back DOWN'; 'back up' is stepping back to reconsider (or supporting someone — other senses).

More on “retreat strategically”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In high-stakes negotiations, it is sometimes necessary to back up from one's initial demands in order to reach a mutually acceptable compromise.

Tell it apart

Let's back up and look at this again.

step back to reassess

Let's back down and drop our demand.

give in / concede

Goes with

back up (and rethink)

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Test yourself: which one is it?

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support someone reverse a vehicle make a copy retreat strategically