put the cork back in the bottle
To revert a situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The argument started, and now we cannot put the cork back in the bottle.”
“Once the secret was leaked to the press, the company realized they could not put the cork back in the bottle.”
“The political reforms triggered a wave of public unrest that the government found impossible to contain, as if they could no longer put the cork back in the bottle.”
- 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