# circle back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/circle-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To return to a previous location or state; to come back to.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.