run back

The boy had to run back to his house to get his backpack.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To return quickly by running: "run back" means to move swiftly on foot to a previous location or point of origin.
   • To rewind or replay (media): In technical or informal usage, "run back" can mean to rewind a recording or replay a segment of audio or video.

Usage Examples

• Physical movement:

  • I forgot my keys, so I had to run back home. (I returned quickly to my house by running.)
  • The dog ran back to its owner after chasing the ball. (The dog returned swiftly to its owner.)

• Media or recording:

  • Can you run back that scene? I missed the dialogue. (Please rewind or replay that part of the video.)
  • He asked the engineer to run back the tape from the beginning. (He requested the recording be rewound to the start.)

Advanced Usage

• "to run back over something": to review or reconsider something quickly.

  • Let's run back over the main points of the meeting. (Let's quickly review the key topics.)

• "to run back and forth": to move repeatedly between two places.

  • She had to run back and forth between the office and the warehouse all day. (She moved repeatedly between two locations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Runback (n): a return journey or the act of returning quickly, especially in sports (e.g., a kick return in American football).

  • He made a long runback after catching the punt. (He returned the ball a great distance after catching it.)

• Runner (n): a person who runs, especially in a race or for exercise.

  • She is a fast runner. (She runs quickly.)

Synonyms

• Return: to go back to a previous place.
• Hurry back: to return quickly, often due to urgency.
• Rewind: to reverse a recording or film (specific to media usage).

Phrasal Verbs

• Run back (to someone): to return to a person or group, often for support or assistance.

  • He always runs back to his parents when he needs money. (He returns to his parents for financial help.)

• Run back (on a promise): to retract or fail to keep a commitment.

  • She ran back on her word and didn't help us. (She broke her promise.)

Related Idioms

• Run back to the pack: to fall behind or return to a lower level of performance, especially in competition.

  • After a strong start, the team ran back to the pack and lost the lead. (The team fell behind and lost their advantage.)

• Run back the clock: to attempt to return to an earlier time or state (often used in sports or nostalgia).

  • The veteran player tried to run back the clock with a brilliant performance. (He tried to perform as if he were younger.)