give ground

give ground  {v. phr.}

To go backward under attack; move back; retreat.

After fighting for a while the troops slowly began to give ground.

Although they were outnumbered by the enemy, the men refused to give ground.

Compare:

DRAW BACK,

DROP BACK,

LOSE GROUND.

Contrast:

HOLD ONE'S GROUND,

STAND OFF,

STAND ONE'S GROUND,

STAND PAT,

STAVE OFF.