1 A2 neutral
To return something to the place or person it came from, especially to a shop after buying it
"The shirt didn't fit, so she took it back to the shop and got a refund."
separable
take back
A2 neutral separable transitive
To return something to where it came from; to retract a statement; or to cause someone to remember a past time
In plain English
Return something to a shop or person; say you didn't mean what you said; or remind someone of the past
What does "take back" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To retract or withdraw something you said, admitting it was wrong or untrue
"That was an unfair thing to say and I take it back completely."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To cause someone to remember or feel nostalgic about a time in the past
"Hearing that song really takes me back to my university days."
separable
4 B2 neutral
To regain possession of something that was taken or lost
"The army launched an offensive to take back the territory lost earlier in the year."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To take something back to where it came from — partially transparent.
Actually means
Return something to a shop or person; say you didn't mean what you said; or remind someone of the past
Usage tip
A highly versatile phrasal verb. The 'retract' sense ('I take that back') is very common in conversation and arguments. The 'return to shop' sense is practical and everyday. The nostalgic sense ('this song takes me back') is evocative and commonly used.
Words that pair with "take back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
statement comment words item purchase memory
How to conjugate "take back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes back
he/she/it
Past simple
took back
yesterday
Past participle
taken back
have + pp
-ing form
taking back
continuous
Hear "take back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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