drop back . drop back {v.} To move or step backwards; retreat. The soldiers dropped back before the enemy's attack. The quarterback dropped back to pass the football. Compare: DRAW BACK, FADE BACK, FALL BACK. Categories: add yours {v.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: D Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss