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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

In addition, as part of the new agreement, the district agreed to rescind more than 200 layoffs and is being pressed to take back more.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“Be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country,” he said in a video message on Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

The Kurds had repeatedly urged countries to take back their citizens but most only repatriated a trickle, fearing security threats and a domestic political backlash.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

She walks toward me again, but I need more time to think, so for every step she takes forward, I take back.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

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