put back
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle back
Meanings
Return something to where it was
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“Please put the book back on the shelf.”
“Put the scissors back in the drawer.”
“Put everything back exactly where you found it.”
Delay or postpone
Why “back”? Something is prevented from moving, growing, or being expressed. It can also remain available as a backup.
“The meeting was put back an hour.”
“The flight was put back until noon.”
“Bad weather put back the start of the match.”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“Please put the book back on the shelf.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
put away
A contrast learners often mix up
Return something to its proper place; Save money for later; Send someone to prison or a mental hospital
put over
A contrast learners often mix up
Communicate an idea so others understand it
bite back
Same back pattern: holding
Stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say
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
choke back
Same back pattern: holding
Suppress an emotion welling up
come back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Become popular or fashionable again; Be remembered after being forgotten
cut back
Same back pattern: holding
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
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