back and forth

• Expression décrivant un mouvement dans une direction puis dans la direction opposée, répété plusieurs fois, ou une discussion dans laquelle des arguments sont échangés entre deux ou plusieurs parties.

An expression describing movement in one direction and then the opposite direction repeatedly, or a discussion where arguments are exchanged between two or more parties.

1. Movement in opposite directionsA2formal

   Moving from one place to another and back again repeatedly.

   Aller-retour répété

   • The pendulum swung back and forth.
   • He paced back and forth in the waiting room.
   • The boat rocked back and forth on the waves.

2. Exchange of ideas or argumentsB1informal

   A discussion or argument where opinions are exchanged repeatedly.

   échange d'idées

   • They went back and forth about the best solution.
   • The debate was a lively back and forth between the candidates.
   • After much back and forth, they finally reached an agreement.