turn back

• Die Richtung ändern und auf demselben Weg zurückgehen oder die weitere Vorwärtsbewegung aufgeben; kann auch bedeuten, etwas in seinen früheren Zustand oder an seinen Besitzer zurückzugeben.

To reverse direction and go back the way one came, or to refuse to continue forward; can also mean to return something to its previous state or owner.

1. Return or reverse directionA2formal

   To stop moving forward and go back the way you came.

   Umkehren oder die Richtung ändern

   • We had to turn back because of the storm.
   • The hikers turned back when they saw the cliff.
   • He turned back to retrieve his forgotten wallet.

2. Refuse entry or rejectB1formal

   To cause someone or something to stop and go back, often at a border or checkpoint.

   Abweisung an der Grenze oder Zurückweisung

   • The guards turned back the refugees at the border.
   • They turned back the delivery because it was damaged.
   • The bouncer turned back the underage teenager.

3. Reverse a decision or actionB2informal

   To change a previous decision or action and return to an earlier state.

   Eine Entscheidung oder Handlung rückgängig machen

   • It's too late to turn back now; we've already committed.
   • She tried to turn back the clock on her mistakes.
   • The company turned back to its original strategy.