turn back

• Mudar de direção e voltar pelo mesmo caminho, ou desistir de seguir em frente; também pode significar devolver algo ao seu estado anterior ou ao seu dono.

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.

   Voltar ou inverter a direção

   • 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.

   Recusar a entrada ou rejeitar

   • 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.

   Reverter uma decisão ou ação

   • 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.