hand back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Return something by giving it back
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“He handed back the keys.”
“She handed back the badge at reception.”
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“He handed back the keys.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hand in
A contrast learners often mix up
Submit something formally to a person or office; Return found property to authorities
hand over
A contrast learners often mix up
Give something to someone, especially with formality; Surrender control or power to someone else
bring back
Same back pattern: return
Return with someone or something to the original place; Cause memories to return to the mind; Reintroduce a custom, law or product
call back
Same back pattern: return
Return a phone call; Try the phone call again; Recall a product because of a fault
come back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Become popular or fashionable again; Be remembered after being forgotten
fly back
Same back pattern: return
Return by air
get back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Reply to someone, often with information they asked for; Take revenge on someone; Receive something again that you had before
give back
Same back pattern: return
Return something to its owner; Make a contribution in return to a community or cause
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