"Fell back on" is a common idiomatic expression that refers to a person resorting or reverting to a familiar or previously relied upon course of action, strategy, skill, or resource, usually as a means of coping with challenges, difficulties, or unexpected circumstances. When an individual "falls back on" something, they typically retreat to a more secure, tried-and-tested option due to the insufficiency, failure, or unavailability of their primary or preferred choice. It is akin to relying on a backup plan.
This phrase often denotes a fallback strategy employed when faced with obstacles or when original plans do not pan out as expected. It can pertain to seeking support from others, relying on one's past experiences, skills, knowledge, or resorting to old habits or behaviors. In essence, "falling back on" represents the act of relying on a secondary option or alternative to navigate a challenging situation or achieve a desired outcome.
For instance, in a professional context, an individual with varied skills may "fall back on" their previous experience or expertise when encountering a difficult task that they are more comfortable or familiar with. Similarly, in personal relationships, someone might "fall back on" their good communication skills to resolve conflicts or misunderstandings. Overall, the expression highlights the act of turning to a dependable or reliable approach, resource, or skill set when confronted with adversity, uncertainty, or a lack of viable alternatives.
