Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“In her will, she left me $48,000—in case I ever needed something to fall back on.”
—Bill Cosby talking about his mom.
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
use if there is nothing else, rely on as a back up
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
Something to fall back on is always great to have. One of the most popular uses of this phrase is used in regard to education. Parents often tell their children that they should study hard in school, because if they have nothing else, they can always fall back on their education. You can use the phrase whenever you’re talking about something you use as a back up plan.
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
””I lost my job two weeks ago. Luckily I’ve got some money to fall back on, but I really need to find a new job as soon as possible.”“
””When the power went out in the office, I was glad we had some candles to fall back on. Otherwise, it would have been totally dark.”“
””When I get really sad, I’m glad I have my friends to fall back on. They are the best!”“
Winners
1. Winners - See who guessed the slang definition correctly.
“Fall back on” means “to be able to depend or rely on,” in other words, “to be supported”.
by Lynn (Siping, Jalin, China).
I guess maybe it means: rely on, support. so that sentences can be put in this way: if something happen,I could use the money to deal with.
by Eva
“Fall back on” means that to use something for support in difficulties.
by Dannah
“Fall back on” means “help.”
by Scott (Toronto, Ontario)
I guess that you “fall back on” something that you know can you rely on means you use it or do it when other things have failed.
by Javier (Barcelona, Spain)
Something to fall back on is something that can be used as a back-up or insurance.
by Michael
Something that can be fall back on means something can be rested on depended on.
by Jia (China)