Historical clue formulations

• Backs out at the last second — 2024-12-23
• Cancels plans at the last minute — 2024-11-25
• Dips, so to speak — 2024-04-20
• Abandons plans unexpectedly — 2023-10-02
• Backs out suddenly — 2023-08-25
• Backs out unexpectedly — 2022-08-11
• Quits at the last minute — 2020-11-08
• Abandons a commitment, in slang — 2020-02-04
• Gives up, in slang — 2014-02-23
• Abruptly calls off plans, say — 2013-01-13
• Jumps (out) — 1998-12-22
• Fights to save a sinking boat — 1994-12-12