- take back
- 1) PHRASAL VERB If you take something back, you return it to the place where you bought it or where you borrowed it from, because it is unsuitable or broken, or because you have finished with it.
[V n P] If I buy something and he doesn't like it I'll take it back...
[V n P] I went to the library and took your books back...
[V P n (not pron)] I once took back a pair of shoes that fell apart after a week.
2) PHRASAL VERB If you take something back, you admit that something that you said or thought is wrong.[V n P] I take it back, I think perhaps I am an extrovert...
[V P n (not pron)] Take back what you said about Jeremy!
3) PHRASAL VERB If you take someone back, you allow them to come home again, after they have gone away because of a quarrel or other problem.[V n P] Why did she take him back?...
[V P n (not pron)] The government has agreed to take back those people who are considered economic rather than political refugees.
4) PHRASAL VERB If you say that something takes you back, you mean that it reminds you of a period of your past life and makes you think about it again.[V n P to n/-ing] I enjoyed experimenting with colours - it took me back to being five years old...
[V n P] This takes me back.
English dictionary. 2008.