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

See Examples For:

go back

"And then knowing that there's like so many things I want to bring with me, and I just can't go back," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

Elena González, a 22-year-old Cuban fashion student in Curitiba, says she wouldn’t go back even if U.S. pressure forces change.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Korine influenced Stillz to go back to his roots in Colombia, after the first-time feature director initially considered making a project in his hometown of Miami.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

“I remember thinking, so when we go back, do we teach her gun violence and being safe — or do we just wait and let the school do it?” she said.

From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026

"Oh, yes, I recognize your donkey's bray! Sancho, wait! I'll go back to the palace. I'll be back soon with help!"

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios

Related Words

• renege