turn back

• Changer de direction et revenir sur ses pas par le même chemin, ou refuser de continuer à avancer ; peut aussi signifier rendre quelque chose à son état antérieur ou à son propriétaire.

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.

   faire demi-tour

   • 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.

   Refuser l'entrée, renvoyer

   • 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.

   revenir en arrière

   • 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.