- 1. step down from the stage or platform
- 2. fall out of power; leave office
- ♦ 被赶~ be driven out of office; be thrown out
- ♦ 总统快~了。 The President will soon leave office.
- 3. (usu. used in the negative) get out of a predicament or an embarrassing situation
- ♦ 没法~ be unable to back down with good grace
- ♦ 叫他下不了台 put him on the spot