fall back on
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직역: to drop backward onto something
Use `fall back on` when discussing a reliable backup plan or secondary resource that saves the day.
15초 만에
- Using a backup plan when the first one fails.
- Relying on a safety net like savings or skills.
- A smart retreat to a reliable secondary option.
뜻
This phrase describes having a backup plan or a safety net. It is what you do or use when your first choice fails and you need something reliable to support you.
주요 예문
3 / 7Discussing career plans
If my band doesn't make it, I can always fall back on my teaching degree.
If my band doesn't succeed, I can always rely on my teaching degree.
Talking about finances
It's comforting to have some savings to fall back on during tough times.
It is comforting to have savings to rely on during hard times.
A technical failure
When the Wi-Fi went out, we had to fall back on our old paper maps.
When the Wi-Fi failed, we had to use our old paper maps.
문화적 배경
The phrase has roots in military strategy, referring to a retreat to a secondary defensive line. In modern Western culture, it reflects the 'hustle' mentality where having multiple skills or income streams is considered essential for security.
The 'Fallback' Noun
You can use 'fallback' as a noun. For example: 'Pizza is our fallback if the restaurant is closed.' It's a very common shorthand!
Don't confuse with 'Fall behind'
'Fall behind' means you are slower than others. 'Fall back on' means you are using a backup. They are very different!
15초 만에
- Using a backup plan when the first one fails.
- Relying on a safety net like savings or skills.
- A smart retreat to a reliable secondary option.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking and suddenly lose your balance. You reach back to find a wall or a chair to stop from falling. That is the physical idea behind fall back on. In life, it means using a secondary resource when your primary one disappears. It is your 'Plan B' in action. It usually refers to money, skills, or people who help you in a crisis.
How To Use It
To use this correctly, you need a subject, the phrase, and the safety net. For example, I can fall back on my savings. You can use it with nouns like experience, family, or knowledge. It sounds very natural because it implies you are prepared. It is like telling the world, "I have a backup, so I am not worried."
When To Use It
Use this when discussing career changes or financial planning. It is great for job interviews when explaining your diverse skills. You might say, "If this project fails, we can fall back on our original strategy." It works perfectly when talking to friends about life's 'what-ifs'. It shows you are a person who thinks ahead.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your first choice. If you are doing something you love, you aren't 'falling back' on it. Also, avoid using it for physical objects unless you are actually falling. Don't say you fall back on a chair to sit down for dinner. That just sounds like you are clumsy! It is for metaphorical support, not literal furniture.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, self-reliance is highly valued. Having something to fall back on is seen as a sign of wisdom and maturity. It comes from old military tactics where a front line would retreat to a stronger position behind them. Today, it is mostly about financial security and having a 'side hustle' or a degree.
Common Variations
While fall back on is the standard, you might hear people say they have a safety net. Some might use resort to, but that sounds more desperate. Fall back on feels more like a smart, planned move. You can also use the noun form, a fallback, to describe the backup plan itself.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember that it implies the first option didn't work out.
The 'Fallback' Noun
You can use 'fallback' as a noun. For example: 'Pizza is our fallback if the restaurant is closed.' It's a very common shorthand!
Don't confuse with 'Fall behind'
'Fall behind' means you are slower than others. 'Fall back on' means you are using a backup. They are very different!
The Safety Net Culture
In the US and UK, people often ask 'What's your fallback?' when you share a risky dream. It's not an insult; they're just checking if you're prepared.
예시
7If my band doesn't make it, I can always fall back on my teaching degree.
If my band doesn't succeed, I can always rely on my teaching degree.
Shows a professional backup plan.
It's comforting to have some savings to fall back on during tough times.
It is comforting to have savings to rely on during hard times.
Common use regarding money.
When the Wi-Fi went out, we had to fall back on our old paper maps.
When the Wi-Fi failed, we had to use our old paper maps.
Using an old method because the new one failed.
If the movie is sold out, we can fall back on that pizza place nearby.
If the movie is full, we can go to the pizza place instead.
Informal planning.
I have no skills to fall back on except my ability to nap for ten hours.
I have no backup skills except my ability to sleep for ten hours.
Self-deprecating humor.
We need a solid strategy to fall back on if the merger falls through.
We need a solid backup strategy if the merger fails.
Used for corporate risk management.
No matter what happens, I know I can fall back on my family's support.
No matter what happens, I can rely on my family.
Refers to emotional safety nets.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
She decided to keep her part-time job so she would have something to fall back ___.
The full phrasal verb is always `fall back on`.
Identify the correct context.
If the new software crashes, we will ___ our manual filing system.
`Fall back on` is used when you return to a reliable backup system.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Scale of 'Fall Back On'
Talking to friends about dinner plans.
Let's fall back on tacos.
The most common way to use it.
I can fall back on my savings.
Business or academic contexts.
The company fell back on its reserve funds.
When to use 'Fall Back On'
Career
Using a second degree.
Money
Using an emergency fund.
Technology
Using paper when tech fails.
Relationships
Relying on old friends.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It means using a backup plan or resource when your first option fails. For example, I fell back on my old phone when my new one broke.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it sounding weird.
Yes, you can fall back on a person for support. For example, I can always fall back on my parents if I lose my job.
Resort to usually sounds negative or desperate, like a last resort. Fall back on sounds more like a prepared backup plan.
No, the correct preposition is on. You fall back *on* a cushion or a plan.
Yes, it is a three-word phrasal verb. The meaning changes if you remove on.
Yes, the past tense is fell back on. For example, We fell back on our original plan yesterday.
As a noun, fallback refers to the backup itself. The fallback plan was to stay home.
Usually no. If you literally fall, you just fall back. Fall back on is almost always used for metaphorical support like money or skills.
Yes, it is used equally in both American and British English.
관련 표현
Plan B
An alternative strategy if the first one fails.
Safety net
Something that provides security against misfortune.
Last resort
The final option when all others have failed.
In reserve
Kept back for future use or a special purpose.
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