turn back

• Cambiar de dirección y volver por el mismo camino, o dejar de avanzar hacia adelante; también puede significar devolver algo a su estado anterior o a su dueño.

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.

   dar la vuelta / regresar

   • 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.

   rechazar la entrada

   • 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.

   Retroceder

   • 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.