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

In Moscow, residents say they are being taken back in time.

From The Wall Street Journal

The BBC wants the government to take back responsibility for funding all of the World Service, as it did until 2014.

From BBC

His face goes blank, and I wish I could take back the question.

From Literature

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

From Literature

Iranian diplomats in Colombo said they have asked for the remains of 84 sailors killed in the US attack to be taken back to Iran.

From Barron's

Related Words

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