go back

British  

verb

1. to return

2. (often foll by to) to originate (in)

   the links with France go back to the Norman Conquest

3. (foll by on) to change one's mind about; repudiate (esp in the phrase go back on one's word )

4. (of clocks and watches) to be set to an earlier time, as during British Summer Time

   when do the clocks go back this year?

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go back Idioms  

1. Return, retrace one's steps; also, return to a former condition. For example, I'm going back to the haunts of my youth , or We want to go back to the old way of doing things . [First half of 1500s]

2. Extend backward in space or time, as in Our land goes back to the stone wall , or The family name goes back to Norman times . [Second half of 1600s] Also see go back on .

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Example Sentences

“That’s something I’m obviously continuing to work toward. Whatever he needs, I’ll be here. He knows I’ll catch seven days a week. He knows I’ll catch every game if he can’t go back there.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

To find the city as spellbound by its basketball team, you have to go back to the 1970 and 1973 champions, with the likes of Walt Frazier, Willis Reed and smooth Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

When she was well enough, Chwalinska took up running and boxing as part of the recovery process and, after a four-month break, decided to go back to tennis.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Then, if people get interested, they can go back and read everything else you’ve written.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

How could I go back to bed while this was going on in our street?

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• renege