go back to

go back to

1. To have a history or existence that extends to a certain period of time in the past. Our organization's ties with this community go back to when the town was first settled in 1837. My Irish heritage goes back to when my great-great-great grandfather married the daughter of a wealthy Irish landowner. This recipe goes back to the Great Depression, when people didn't have many options to work with in the kitchen.

2. To resume or continue something, often a particular task or activity. As soon as dinner was over, the kids went back to playing outside. Once the home repairs are done, we'll be able to go back to our normal routine. Why are you out here playing with the dog? Go back to writing your essay, and don't come out of your room until it's finished!

3. To direct attention or focus back to something. Let's go back to James's comment because I think it really sums up this part of the novel. I'm sorry, can we please go back to the part where you accused me of being lazy? I know we'd all rather talk about our weekend plans, but can we please go back to the sales projections for this quarter?

See also: back, go, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go back to someone or something

to return to someone, something, or some place. She went back to her husband after a few months. Sharon had to go back to her office for a few minutes.

See also: back, go, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.