go back on (something)

go back on (something)

To not do something one said one would do; to renege on something. People are beginning to worry that the president is going to go back on his campaign promises. You made a commitment to support our project, and now you've gone back on your word! If the board goes back on their pledge to fund our research, we can't possibly continue.

See also: back, go, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go back on

Fail to honor or keep, as in You can't go back on your word, or One should never go back on a promise. [Mid-1800s]

See also: back, go, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.