circle back
To return to a previous location or state; to come back to.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Let's circle back to this topic later.”
“I do not have the answer right now, so I will circle back to you tomorrow.”
“Although the committee reached a temporary consensus, the chairperson suggested they circle back to the original proposal once they had gathered more comprehensive data.”
The term originates from the physical act of moving in a circle to return to one's initial position. The metaphorical use follows the trajectory of a literal rotation.
- 01
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 03
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 04
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 05
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 06
back into
To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.
- 07
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 08
back off
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
Last updated August 10, 2026