turn back
The phrase "turn back" is versatile, used in contexts involving movement, decision-making, and obstruction.
Definition
B1Movement
(common)To reverse direction and go back to a previous location.
Example
- We realized we were lost and decided to turn back.
- The hikers had to turn back due to bad weather.
B2Obstruction
(common)To stop and prevent someone from continuing forward.
Example
- The guards turned back anyone without proper identification.
- The army managed to turn back the invaders.
B2Decision
(common)To change one's mind or revert to a previous decision.
Example
- Once you've signed the contract, you can't turn back.
- After hearing the new evidence, she decided to turn back on her previous statement.
B1Adjustment
(common)To fold or bend something backward.
Example
- He turned back the collar of his coat.
- Please turn back the page to see the previous diagram.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "turn back":
turn againturn aroundgo backwardsgo back onturn roundlook backwalk backturn aboutrun backretrace one's stepstake backturn awayturn one's backroll backgo back tomove backrow backturn againststep backturn toback downkeep backcome backsend backget backtime backcircle backstay backround turnback outpull backway backfall backturn asideturn downstepping backback intoroll back the yearswalk back the catdraw backgive backturn overthrow backstand backturn inback awaywin backback inhark backget back toturn offback timepush backhit backtake a turnturn of footback offrear backbring backleft turntalk backflip overhold backset backput the clock backturn turtlego homefight backill turnput backon the turnring backcut backchange tackdrop backback to square onetime reversalreturn to formscrew backback to front