Phrasal verb
bring back
Meanings
To return with something or someone to a place.
To make something happen again or reintroduce something.
To cause someone to remember something from the past; to revive a memory or feeling.
Definition
To bring back means to return something or someone to a place or to make something return or be remembered.
To bring back often means to return with something or someone to the place you came from. It can also mean to make something return, such as a product, a tradition, or a memory. In everyday speech, it commonly refers to reminding someone of the past.
Examples
- I forgot my keys, so I had to bring back the spare set from my desk.
- Can you bring back my jacket when you come over tonight?
- She played an old song that brought back memories of summer trips with her family.
- They decided to bring back the evening market to make the neighborhood feel lively again.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "bring back" with "take back" and use it from the wrong viewpoint of where the speaker is.
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.