take back

British  

verb

1. to retract or withdraw (something said, written, promised, etc)

2. to regain possession of

3. to return for exchange

   to take back a substandard garment

4. to accept (someone) back (into one's home, affections, etc)

5. to remind one of the past; cause one to reminisce

   that tune really takes me back

6. (also intr) printing to move (copy) to the previous line

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take back Idioms  

1. Retract a statement, as in I said you weren't much of a cook but after that dinner I take it all back . This usage was first recorded in 1775.

2. take one back . Return in thought to a past time, as in That music takes me back to the first dance I ever went to . [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Turkey already has defence ties with Mali, supplying it with drones which reportedly played a decisive role in helping the military take back Kidal in 2024.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

During the sentencing, Judge Jessica Peterson offered an optimistic message to those whom Chasing Horse abused, and those who supported them in court, noting “you can take back your power.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

"I wanted to go into that period of my life in a positive way and take back control."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“The FDA under Secretary Kennedy for the first time in many years is responsive to the aspirations of Americans to take back their health,” said HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“I think I take back what I said,” said Eric, just loud enough to be heard.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

• cancel
• reclaim
• renege
• repeal
• repossess
• rescind
• revoke
• withdraw