answer back

verb

1. (adverb) to reply rudely to (a person, esp someone in authority) when one is expected to remain silent

Idioms and Phrases

see talk back.

Example Sentences

"Our geologists are beyond excited for our eyes to look at the Moon, and we've been training how to turn those observations into answering some of the biggest questions of our time, questions like Are we alone? We can answer that by going to Mars in the future, and this mission can be the first step in bringing that answer back to team humanity".

From BBC

After Melvin threw Neeson’s answer back at him, the actor suggested the morning news personality was stirring the pot, moving his arms in a circle.

From Los Angeles Times

The Nationals’ 5-4 lead lasted until Irvin exited the game at the start of the seventh — opening the door for the Dodgers to finally answer back.

From Los Angeles Times

China and the EU, the other two big trading blocs, would be likely to answer back which could lead to "huge ramifications of a global trade war", the minister acknowledges.

From BBC

Plenty would think this unfair on the civil service, which has often found itself a scapegoat for failings of politicians but cannot publicly answer back.

From BBC

Related Words

• acknowledge 
• argue 
• claim 
• defend 
• deny 
• explain 
• plead 
• resolve 
• respond 
• return 
• say 
• solve