Crossword Genius

Recede when cancelled again (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

back off

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'recede' is the definition.
(backing off is a kind of receding)

'cancelled again' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'cancelled' could be 'off' (similar in meaning) and 'off' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'back' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for back off that I've seen before include "as TV may have to be repaired" , "Give up" , "Withdraw from confrontation" , "Retreat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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