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

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates this month, taking back an interest-rate cut delivered as recently as August, after the central bank’s forecasts for inflation in mid-2025 proved far too optimistic.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are “simply taking back what we paid in.”

From Los Angeles Times

Just kind of get involved, not necessarily supporting candidates but more like taking back the air waves let people know that we don’t have to accept this unacceptable behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

After he was taken back into custody, prosecutors said Guanipa had violated his parole conditions.

From Barron's

He has not taken back a word of what he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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