bounce (something) back and forth
1. Literally, for two or more people to bounce something, typically a ball, between them. It's nice to see the kids out in the back yard bouncing a ball back and forth. You two have got to get out of my hair! Go bounce this tennis ball back and forth outside—anything! I feel like all we do in gym class is bounce a ball back and forth. When are we ever going to play an actual game?
2. To discuss something. I bounced the idea of becoming an actress back and forth with many people before discussing it with my parents. I bet if we could make your concept even better if we bounced it back and forth with some of the other people in the office. My husband and I have been bouncing the job offer back and forth. The problem isn't the job itself, it's the relocation.
bounce back and forth
To consider or change between several options. No, I haven't settled on a college yet—I'm still bouncing back and forth between a few options. Last I heard, they were still bouncing back and forth between several neighborhoods and hadn't decided on a house yet. A: "Have they picked a baby name yet?" B: "No, I believe they're still bouncing back and forth between their favorite names."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bounce something back and forth
1. Lit. to bat, toss, or throw something alternately between two people. (Usually a ball.) The two guys bounced the ball back and forth. John and Timmy bounced it back and forth.
2. Fig. to discuss an idea back and forth among a group of people. Let's bounce these ideas back and forth awhile and see what we come up with. The idea was bounced back and forth for about an hour.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.