turn back
TURN BAK
/tɜːn bæk/
To return the way you have come; to make someone or something do this.
Often implies that the path ahead is too dangerous or blocked.
The story behind the word. From the physical act of turning one's body to face the direction they just came from. It has been used figuratively since the 16th century to mean abandoning a course of action.
Word relationships
- retreat: Retreat is more formal and often used in a military or strategic context.
- reverse: Reverse is more technical and often refers to vehicles.
- advance: Advance means to move forward toward a goal.
- proceed: Proceed means to continue moving forward.
Commonly confused with
- turn down: Turn down means to reject an offer or lower volume.
Collocations
- turn back the clock
- forced to turn back
- no turning back
Idioms & expressions
- point of no return
Example sentences
- "The weather was so bad that the climbers were forced to turn back before reaching the summit." A dangerous journey.
- "You can't turn back the clock, so you have to make the best of the present." Regret and time.
Memory hook
Imagine a 'U-turn' sign on a road. Turn back to where you were.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'turn around', which can just mean rotating 180 degrees without necessarily traveling back.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'turn back the clock' is often used in science fiction and skincare marketing.
Explore more words
back to square one, undo, withdraw, regress, retrograde, retract
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