1
general::
Phrase(s): back away (from someone or something) [and] back off (from someone or something)
1. Lit. to move backwards from a person or thing; to withdraw physically from someone or something. • You should back away from the fire. • Please back off from the man who is threatening you. 2. Fig. to begin to appear uninterested in someone or something; to withdraw one’s interest from someone or something. • The board of directors began to back away from the idea of taking over the rival company. • Tom backed off from the whole idea of investing in stocks.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Walk backward, as in He cautiously backed away from the fire. 2. Gradually retreat, withdraw, as in Since he couldn't convince his colleagues, he's backing away from his original idea. Both usages employ the verb back in the sense of "retreat," dating from the late 1400s. Also see BACK DOWN; BACK OUT.
American Heritage Idioms