Back away
Back away verb - To move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable).
Usage example: backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
Mutual synonyms
Both terms in one sentence
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Enemies in close proximity will flinch and back away when they hear.
Source: Video Game / Sleeping Dogs -
They lean in and... fake to the left, flinch backwards, bump arms, cringe, and back away.
Source: The Un-Hug -
It's noteworthy that the other drow with him flinch back away from the light, and he stays in it until he's told the demonstration of the awfulness of the sun is done.
Source: First Time in the Sun
Cite this Source
Flinch and Back away. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_away/flinch
Back away & Flinch. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_away/flinch>.
Flinch or Back away. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_away/flinch.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "back away" and "flinch" have occurred on timeline