Fall back on Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To use something or someone for help when your first option has failed or is not available.
Usage & Nuances
This phrasal verb is informal and often used when talking about backup plans or resources. Common with 'money,' 'savings,' 'friends,' or 'skills.' Not used for physical falling; relates to depending on something as a last resort.
Spanish: recurrir a - depender dePortuguese (BR): recorrer a - depender dePortuguese (PT): recorrer a - depender deChinese (Simplified): 依靠 - 求助于Chinese (Traditional): 依靠 - 求助於Hindi: आश्रित होना - सहारा लेनाArabic: يلجأ إلى - يعتمد علىBengali: ভরসা করা - আশ্রয় নেওয়াRussian: прибегать к - опираться наJapanese: 頼る - 頼みとするVietnamese: dựa vào - trông cậy vàoKorean: 의지하다 - 기대다Turkish: başvurmak - dayanmakUrdu: سہارا لینا - انحصار کرناIndonesian: mengandalkan - bergantung pada
Example Sentences
I don’t want to fall back on my parents for money, but sometimes I have no choice.
natural
If you lose your job, you can fall back on your savings.
basic
He always has friends to fall back on.
basic
We had to fall back on Plan B when our first idea failed.
basic
Luckily, I have my family to fall back on during tough times.
natural
When things go wrong, it's good to have something to fall back on.
natural