English Reference
Idiom idiom

play back


To replay a recording.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“Please play back the voice message for me.”

CONTEXTUAL

“I did not hear the announcement clearly, so I asked the clerk to play back the recording.”

COMPLEX

“The investigator decided to play back the security footage several times, searching for any subtle movement that might explain the mysterious disappearance.”


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.

Last updated August 10, 2026