turn back
To stop and go back the way you came, or to make someone else do that.
Meanings
To stop one's journey and return in the direction one came from.
"The weather was so bad that the climbers decided to turn back halfway up the mountain."
To prevent someone from continuing their journey; to force someone to return.
"Protesters were turned back by police before they could reach the building."
(figurative) To reverse progress or return to a previous state — often in the phrase 'turn back the clock'.
"You cannot turn back the clock on these social changes."
Often implies that returning is necessary due to an obstacle, danger, or order. 'There is no turning back' is a common idiom meaning a decision or action is irreversible. Also used in the context of border control ('turned back at the border').
Commonly used with
Forms
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