the difference and common between Back down and back off

[english-learner]

Hello,

I am a bit confused by these two phrases: Back down and Back off

What are the difference and common ground that these two phrases have?

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this,
english learner

[Tdol]

If the police were standing in front of a crowd, they'd tell them to back off. If you were retreating from a position you had held in a meeting, you'd back down.

[english-learner]

Hello Tdol,

Thank you very much for your reply. But, do they have any thing in common?

Thanks,
english-learner

Oh, by the way, Tdol, may I know what is your education background if you don't mind I ask.

[Tdol]

I graduated in English Language and Literature and did my Master's inTESL.

[english-learner]

Hello Tdol,

Do you know where I can get the best course in order for me to get a TESOL Certification? And if someday I want to teach English, what kind of Certification would be the best I should get and where I can learn the course?

Thank you for your time,
english learner

[Tdol]

The main thing is to check on how useful the course is- there are many courses being offered that are basically bits of paper. Check that it is genuinely internationally recognised. The CELTA course is one of these- you can use it anywhere. If you're thinking of a particular course, let me know and I'll have a look into it. I did ESL courses with people like International House and the British Council, who are universally known and respected.

PS- Check the Scare up thread- I've added to it.

[english-learner]

Hello Tdol,

Thank you for the informaiton on the TESOL. I need to check more into that, then I am sure that I will have more question on it.

I am sorry that I have to say that I still don't quite get what are both phrases " back off and back down" mean. Do both of them can mean yield or retreat? Also, may I have more examples on them from you so that I can understand it better.

Thank you,
English-leanrer

[Tdol]

They have a similar meaning, but are used in different contexts. Prince Charles, for example, said that he wasn't going to change the date of his wedding because of the funeral of the Pope. Then, realsing that many guests would be in Rome, he decided it was better to change the date. In this case, he took a position and changed it- he backed down.

[english-learner]

Thank you for the example. What kind of situation does people would use the phrase " back off" most? Is there any suggestion that I should notice which one I should use when I meet a context?

Thank you,
English-learner

[RonBee]

I think one would most likely use the phrase "back off" in a situation in which there was a physical confrontation.