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.
Antonym: HOLD ONE'S GROUND, STAND OFF, STAND ONE'S GROUND, STAND PAT, STAVE OFF.