ENGLISH
REFERENCE

double back

idiom
Meaning

To retrace one's steps; to go back where one has already gone.


Examples
SIMPLE

I forgot my keys and had to double back home.

CONTEXTUAL

The hiker realized he left his map at the campsite and had to double back to retrieve it.

COMPLEX

Sensing he was being followed through the labyrinthine streets, he decided to double back, hoping to catch his pursuer off guard in the narrow alleyway.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  3. 03

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  4. 04

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  5. 05

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  6. 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.

  7. 07

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  8. 08

    back off

    To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

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