Dic: back away (from something)

• The company backed away from plans to cut their pay by 15%.
• Until yesterday, Britain had backed away because it didn't like the cost.
• James got to his feet and started to come over, but the girls hastily backed away.
• Congress backed away from the plan to cut taxes.

1. PHRASAL VERB | If you back away from a commitment that you made or something that you were involved with in the past, you try to show that you are no longer committed to it or involved with it. (= retreat)
   PHRASAL VERB | If you back away, you walk backwards away from someone or something, often because you are frightened of them.
2. to stop supporting something.

.... Cobuild, http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/back+away