Definition of back off

The phrase "back off" is commonly used as a request for someone to move away or retreat, often because they are perceived as too close, invasive, or threatening. In its origin, the phrase dates back to the early 20th century and is believed to have emerged from the world of horse racing. In horse racing, 'Running Back' was a term used to describe a horse that came into collision with other horses during a race, causing it to step back or fall back. Jockeys or trainers would then shout "Back off!" to other riders or horses, urging them to give the collided horse some space and avoid further chaos. The term gradually made its way out of the horse racing circuit and into popular use in everyday conversation in the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, "back off" is a colloquial expression used to signify a request for someone to step back or move away, especially in situations where one feels threatened or overly close to another person.