fall back on

What it means

To rely on something or someone as a backup when other plans or resources fail. It is inseparable and often used about savings, skills, or trusted people.

Examples

• It's good to have savings to fall back on in an emergency.
• If teaching doesn't work out, she can fall back on her engineering degree.
• He fell back on his old habit of biting his nails when nervous.
• Without family to fall back on, life in a new country can feel lonely.

Where it comes from

From military language, where troops 'fall back' (retreat) to a safer position to regroup. Recorded since the 1800s in its figurative sense of relying on something safe in difficult times.

Related phrasal verbs