take back

Meaning

This phrasal verb has two common meanings. First, it means to return something you bought to a shop, usually because it is damaged, faulty, or the wrong size. Second, it means to admit that something you said was wrong, hurtful, or incorrect, and to officially withdraw your words.

Examples

• If the shoes don't fit, you can take them back to the store.

  If the shoes don't fit, you can take them back to the store.

• I demand an apology, so you'd better take back what you just said!

  I demand an apology, so you'd better take back what you just said!

• I'm sorry I called you lazy; I take it back.

  I'm sorry I called you lazy; I take it back.

• The store won't take back items without a receipt.

  The store won't take back items without a receipt.

• He tried to take back his harsh words, but the damage was already done.

  He tried to take back his harsh words, but the damage was already done.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to take back my money.

  ✓ I want to get a refund.

  'Take back' applies to returning the physical item you bought, not to receiving the money itself.

• ✗ I take back my words.

  ✓ I take that back.

  While 'take back my words' is sometimes understood, native speakers almost always say 'take that back' or 'take back what I said' when admitting a mistake.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you don't like the shirt, you can always ___ it ___.

  💡 Return it to the store.

  Show answer

  take back

• I'm sorry I said you were wrong. I ___ it ___.

  💡 Admit you shouldn't have said it.

  Show answer

  take back