Phrasal verb
answer back
Meanings
to reply in a rude, defiant, or disrespectful way
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to respond quickly when someone calls, asks, or contacts you
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Definition
To answer back means to reply rudely or defiantly to someone in authority.
To answer back is to respond to someone, especially a parent, teacher, or boss, in a rude or challenging way. It often suggests disrespect rather than a calm explanation. People may use it to criticize a child or employee’s tone as well as their words.
Examples
- I didn’t answer back; I just listened and apologized.
- You shouldn’t answer back to the coach during practice.
- He answered back to his teacher and got sent out of the room.
- She wanted to answer back, but she chose her words carefully.
- They answered back right away when we called from the airport.
Common mistake
Learners often use "answer back" for any reply, but it usually implies a rude or defiant response unless the context clearly means responding to contact.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.