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

“I’m going to have to completely go back to the drawing board, rethink my life and probably start at the bottom in a new industry,” Abernathy said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 11, 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

“What I think is surprising when you go back and watch that original animated series is how funny Cal is,” says Winderbaum.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

Oil futures retreated on hopes the U.S. and Iran could go back to talks after the current flare-up and exchange of strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

When we get home, Dad fusses over me and asks if I want to go back to therapy, like I did the first few months after Mom died.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Related Words

• renege