Double back
verb
To go back the way you have come.
He realized he forgot his mobile phone and had to double back to retrieve it.
Often appears as...
- double back to
- double back on
verb
To deceive someone by changing your plans or not doing what you said you would.
They said they would support us in the meeting, but then they doubled back.
Often appears as...
- double back on
- doubled back on his word
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To go back the way you have come.
He realized he forgot his mobile phone and had to double back to retrieve it.
Often appears as...
- double back to
- double back on
verb
To deceive someone by changing your plans or not doing what you said you would.
They said they would support us in the meeting, but then they doubled back.
Often appears as...
- double back on
- doubled back on his word
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical action
Used when someone literally turns around and goes back where they came from.
After passing the library, she had to double back when she remembered her book was due.
Pro Tip 2/3Missed Item
Often used when forgetting something and needing to return to the original location.
I doubled back home for my passport.
Pro Tip 3/3New Decision
Reflects a change of mind, leading to a return to a previous point.
We decided to double back to the first design after seeing the final product.
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