fade back . fade back {v.} To back away from the line before passing in football. The quarterback is fading back to pass. Compare: DROP BACK. Categories: add yours football {v.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: F Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss