What's "fall back" mean and when's it used?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Here, "fall back" means going back to one's previous state. It can also mean to "retreat," to move back. It's often used in combat to tell soldiers to go back to their positions or not to engage with the other side and return to the base. But with ordinary things, if something rises, it could potentially "fall back" to where it was or it's previous state. Ex: Fall back, soldiers! We've run out of ammunition. Ex: The broom fell back onto the floor.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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Popular Q&As

12/28

1
What's the main difference between a "rubbish", a "trash" and a "garbage?"
They all mean the same thing when it comes to disposed waste! The difference is the places they are used. "Trash" and "garbage" is considered North American, and "rubbish" is considered British English. So depending on where you are, you will hear one more than the other. Ex: Can you take the trash out? = Can you take the garbage out? = Can you take the rubbish out?

2
What's "break out" mean?
Here, "break out" is a phrasal verb that means to open or start using something. Ex: Let's break out a few fireworks for New Year's Eve! Ex: I didn't even break out my best dance moves at the party.

3
What does "be getting to" mean? Why does it use present progressive form, not just "get to"?
"Getting to" here means reaching, striving for, or to attempt to make. This phrase can be used when trying to reach a certain point in something you are telling someone. He uses present progressive form here to indicate that he has almost succeeded in reaching or asking the question, but at the time of when he says "getting to", he has not yet asked the question. Ex: "Have you washed the dishes?" "I'm getting to them." Ex: The point he's getting to is in his speech is that you don't have to have money to follow your dreams.

4
Why did she say "stuffed animal" not "doll"? Is it general expression?
Generally, native English speakers call toys that are animals filled with soft material "stuffed animals", and toys that resemble a human "dolls". "Stuffed animals" is a general expression and commonly used.

5
What is an "auction?" What's the purpose of it?
An "auction" is a sale where goods, property, or services are sold to the highest bidder. It's so that the sale can get the highest and best financial return. Auctions can run for profit or for charity. Ex: She bought the table at an auction. Ex: Our house is going on auction this month. I hope we get a good sale for it. Ex: Our organization is holding an auction to raise money for charity.

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