# back and forth

idiom · CEFR C1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/back-and-forth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

moving from one place to another and back again, or changing between two different ideas or choices.

## Examples

- We walked back and forth across the room while waiting.
- The two managers went back and forth for hours before they finally agreed on a new schedule.
- The committee debated the proposal back and forth, carefully weighing the potential risks against the promised benefits before reaching a final decision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.