drop back

To move behind others in a race or slow down to join someone behind you.

• The tired runner dropped back.
• I dropped back to join my friend.
• Why are the cyclists dropping back from the leading group?

How to use it: drop back behind someone (He dropped back behind the leading runners.); drop back to do something (I dropped back to walk with my sister.)

Similar words: fall back, fall behind

Opposites: pull ahead

Common phrases: drop back slightly, drop back behind someone, drop back to someone

To fall back to an earlier or lower place, position, or level.

• The ball dropped back to the ground.
• The rope slipped, and the bucket dropped back into the well.
• Temperatures have dropped back to normal.

How to use it: drop back into something (The pebble dropped back into the water.); drop back to a level (Prices dropped back to last year’s level.)

Similar words: fall back, fall

Common phrases: drop back down, drop back into something, drop back to something

In American football, to step backward after receiving the ball, usually to prepare a throw.

• The quarterback drops back to pass.
• He dropped back three steps before throwing the ball.
• The defense rushed forward as she was dropping back.

How to use it: drop back to do something (The quarterback dropped back to throw a long pass.)

Similar words: step back, retreat

Common phrases: drop back to pass, drop back quickly

The steps a football player takes backward after receiving the ball, usually before throwing it.

• His drop back was quick.
• The coach worked on her drop back during practice.
• A smooth drop back gave the quarterback time to find a receiver.

Similar words: dropback

Common phrases: a drop back, quick drop back, three-step drop back