take back

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

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]

Example Sentences

They conclude: “We must take back our politics. We need to restore the rightful role of science in our political and societal discourse.”

From Los Angeles Times

It has said 104 of these were subsequently taken back by the Syrian intelligence services or the Social Affairs Ministry, and of whose whereabouts SOS now has no knowledge.

From BBC

Every time Shelley Barnett, Melody’s daughter, comes to Palace, she’s taken back to her childhood.

From Los Angeles Times

It will now take back control of the site.

From BBC

Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza following the attack in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken back to the territory as hostages.

From BBC

Related Words

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