Phrasal verb
take back
Meanings
to regain possession of something you gave, lent, or lost
to return an item to a store
to withdraw a statement or admit you were wrong about what you said
Definition
To take back means to regain possession of something you gave or lent, or to return something to a store.
When you take back something, you get it back after giving it away, lending it, or losing it. You can also take back an item by returning it to a shop for a refund or exchange. In conversation, take back can also mean to admit what you said was wrong and withdraw your words.
Examples
- I want to take back the book I lent you last week.
- Can you take back this jacket if it doesn’t fit you?
- He had to take back his comment after he learned the full story.
- She went to the shop to take back the blender she bought yesterday.
- They refused to take back what they said during the meeting.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse take back (return/reclaim) with bring back (carry something back or cause something to return).
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.