double back

double back

To return to some thing or place after moving away from it, especially by following the same path taken when leaving. I was walking to my car when I realized I'd forgotten my lunch on the kitchen counter and doubled back to get it.
See also: back, double
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

double back (on someone or something)

[for a person or animal] to reverse motion, moving toward (rather than away from) someone or something. (Refers primarily to a person or animal that is being pursued by someone or a group.) The deer doubled back on the hunter. The robber doubled back on the police, and they lost track of him. I doubled back on my own trail.
See also: back, double
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

double back

Reverse one's course, go back the way one has come. For example, The officer lost the suspect, who had doubled back on him. This term, at first put simply as to double, is used largely to describe a way of evading pursuit. [Late 1500s]
See also: back, double
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

double back

v.
1. To turn around and move back in the opposite direction: Since we got lost, we'll need to double back and start over.
2. To turn sharply or reverse course completely, as of a path: The road doubles back, following the course of the river. The trail up the mountain doubles back on itself several times.
See also: back, double
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • walk away
  • vote with (one's) feet
  • vote with feet
  • vote with one’s feet
  • vote with one's feet
  • vote with your feet
  • walking
  • look around
  • look around some place
  • be walking on air
References in periodicals archive
Engineering work at Linlithgow was already causing delays on the line and passengers were warned yesterday that many journeys will now take at least an extra 30 minutes as trains are diverted or double back to avoid the blockage.
Rail hell after line is cut by landslip
FULL STORY: PAGE 7 SKY BLUES TARGET LEAGUE DOUBLE BACK PAGE SEARCH AFTER DOG ATTACK POLICE are hunting a man who let his dog viciously attack a teenager in a case of mistaken identity.
INSIDE
The number of miles will be swelled by those having to double back after forgetting Christmas presents, with people in North-east England the most absent-minded in this respect.
Going the extra miles for Christmas
They'll have to go left then double back at the big roundabout near Walsgrave Hospital.
Why can't we turn right from our road? TRAFFIC: Road changes will mean an extra half-a-mile for drivers on every trip into the city centre
At the end of the golf course, turn left at the waymark post to join the drive, and double back to go over the railway bridge.
WEEKEND: COUNTRY WALKS: Lovely stroll but mind the trains
Double back beneath the canal bridge and at the exit bear left along the hedge and brook to enter an open field.
RON WESTON'S COLUMN country walks: Wander among stately trees by the side of a great lake; AROUND NEWBOLD REVEL, Five miles. Map 222 Explorer
MARK Bird smashed home a spectacular 25-yarder for Hillmorton Red Lion but it was scant consolation as CRC Reserves cruised to a 4-1 victory - Simon Barclay's double backed up by Dave Barclay and Charlie Wright.
Bird's bullet in vain for Lion; RUGBY LEAGUE
Andy Bolton slotted home a double backed by singles for Jamie Williams, Ian Lochran and Ryan Williams in this extra-time victory despite efforts from Danny Holdsworth, Tony Murphy and Wynn Taylor for the unlucky Parkfield side.
VICTORY SO SWEET FOR CLAUGHTON AS ATHERTON KEEPS UPHIS HOT STREAK; BIRKENHEAD & WIRRAL
Prince of Wales saw off Division Two rivals Red Lion 4-1, Nic Tomes's double backed up by Mike Thomas and Richard Teale, and need to win their game in hand to force a winner-takesall showdown against Dunchurch who collected the same score against Royal Oak courtesy of Andy Gilroy, Drew Coleman, David Bowen and Nick Matthews.
Cleaver treble sees CRC home; RUGBY & DISTRICT LEAGUE
Division Two leaders Prince of Wales edged out Royal Oak 1-0 but Dunchurch remain just a point behind after crushing The Webb 7-1 - David Bowen's double backed up by David Bennett, Tom Robinson, Adam Treacy Michael Treacy and Lee Moulds.
LC call the tune against Mow; RUGBY & DISTRICT LEAGUE
The car then pulled away and double backed around a roundabout to take the same route as Michelle had done a week earlier.
DAY OF SADNESS: Mum's car on road in bid to find clues