go back

[phrasal verb]

a : to return to a place返回

b : to begin doing something again接着做 — + to

◊ The phrase there's no going back means that you have done or decided something and cannot change it.一经决定，不可更改；没有回头路可走。

I've already signed the contract, so there's no going back now.我已经签了合同，现在不能再更改了。

a : to have existed for a particular amount of time or since a particular period（一定时期内或自某时期以来）存在

— often + to

b : to have known each other for a particular amount of time相识（一段时间）

We go back 30 years.我们相识30年了。
He and I go back a long way. = He and I go way back. [=he and I have known each other for many years]我和他是老相识了。

c : to think or talk about something from the past回溯；回顾

To fully understand the issues, we have to go back a few years.要全面理解这些问题，我们必须从几年前说起。

— often + to

I'd like to go back to your earlier comment. [=I'd like to discuss it further]我想回顾你之前的评论。

go back on (something) : to not do what is required by (something, such as a promise)违背（诺言等）

She went back on her promise to help us. [=she failed to keep her promise]她违背诺言，没有帮助我们。
I would never go back on my word.我绝不食言。

⇒ Main Entry: ¹ go

phrasal verb

went back; gone back; going back; goes back

: to return to a place

I forgot my purse and had to go back for it.

After college she went back home.

Go back inside! You'll catch cold.

: to return to doing something

I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.

He waved hello, then went right back to work.

She went back to eating her dinner.

: to have existed for a particular amount of time or since a particular period

These ruins go back hundreds of years.

: to have known each other for an amount of time

We go back 30 years.

He and I go back a long way.

: to think or talk about something from the past

To fully understand the issues, we have to go back a few years.