retrace one's steps
To return to a place one has been to before.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I lost my keys, so I must retrace my steps.”
“After realizing his wallet was missing, he had to retrace his steps through the park to find where he dropped it.”
“The detective decided to retrace his steps through the dark, winding alleyway, hoping to discover the vital clue he had overlooked earlier that evening.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026