turn back
Idioms-
Reverse one's direction, as in We had to turn back earlier than expected . [First half of 1500s]
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Drive someone back or away, as in They turned back anyone who didn't have an invitation , or Our forces soon turned back the enemy . [First half of 1500s]
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Fold down, as in Turn back the page you're on to keep your place in the magazine . [Second half of 1800s] Also see turn one's back on .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There will be a temporary spell of snow over the higher ground of northern England and Scotland before it turns back to rain.
From BBC
Dad laughs at this, and Camille turns back to her phone as I wrap a protective arm around the cardboard box sitting next to me.
From Literature
It flared up as the sticks caught alight, and shadows danced on her face as she turned back to them.
From Literature
He turned back to Glory and held her hand.
From Literature
So I turned back to the orchard and started home.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
