fall back

• Retroceder o moverse hacia atrás a una posición más segura o confiable, a menudo en contextos militares, estratégicos o figurados. También puede significar recurrir a algo como opción de respaldo o plan alternativo.

To retreat, withdraw, or move back to a safer or more secure position, often used in military, strategic, or figurative contexts. Can also mean to rely on something as a backup option.

1. Retreat or withdrawB2formal

   To move back or away from a dangerous or difficult situation.

   Retroceder o retirarse

   • The soldiers were ordered to fall back to a safer position.
   • When the storm intensified, the hikers decided to fall back to the cabin.
   • The team had to fall back after the initial attack failed.

2. Use as a reserveB2informal

   To rely on something as a backup or alternative plan.

   recurrir a

   • If the main plan fails, we can fall back on our savings.
   • She always has her teaching degree to fall back on.
   • They had no other option to fall back on when the deal collapsed.