1 B1 neutral
To reverse direction and travel back along the same route, often because you missed something or went the wrong way.
"We realised we'd missed the turning, so we had to double back two kilometres."
double back
B1 neutral intransitive
To turn around and return along the same route you just came from.
In plain English
To go back the same way you just came, often to correct a mistake or avoid something.
What does "double back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To deliberately retrace a route in order to mislead a pursuer or check for surveillance.
"The spy doubled back through the market to make sure nobody was following her."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fold back on itself — like doubling a piece of paper back over itself.
Actually means
To go back the same way you just came, often to correct a mistake or avoid something.
Usage tip
Often used in the context of navigation, hiking, military manoeuvres, or escape. Can also describe an animal or person trying to evade pursuit.
Words that pair with "double back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
path road route tracks trail forest
How to conjugate "double back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
double back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doubles back
he/she/it
Past simple
doubled back
yesterday
Past participle
doubled back
have + pp
-ing form
doubling back
continuous
Hear "double back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "double back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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