hark back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Refer to or be reminiscent of something from the past
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“The design harks back to the 1950s.”
“The ceremony harks back to an old village tradition.”
Test yourself
“The design harks back to the 1950s.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
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
go back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; (of a friendship or history) date from a particular time; Withdraw from a promise or agreement
hand back
Same back pattern: return
Return something by giving it back
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