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

I rake a breath over my teeth, try to take back some air.

From Literature

Watching her perform, It felt very much like seeing her taking back something that was hers and it just felt very emotional to watch every night, honestly.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the BBC welcomed the increase, the corporation has indicated it wants the government to take back responsibility for funding the World Service in its entirety, as it did until 2014.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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