# circle back

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/circle-back
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to talk about something again later or return to a topic after some time. You use this when you need more information before making a final decision.

For teachers: to revisit a subject, person, or issue at a later time. Often functions as an intransitive phrasal verb or takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'to'.

## Examples

- Let's circle back to this discussion after the break.
- I need to check the latest sales figures, so I will circle back to you tomorrow morning.
- The executive suggested they circle back to the merger talks once the market volatility had subsided and the shareholders felt more secure.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We should circle back the project next week." but "We should circle back to the project next week." — the verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by a specific topic or object.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in professional environments and often followed by the preposition 'to'.
- Teaching tip: Highlight this as a common piece of business jargon used to delay a decision or manage time during meetings.

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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.