1
general::
1. Retract a statement, as in I said you weren't much of a cook but after that dinner I take it all back. This usage was first recorded in 1775. 2. take one back. Return in thought to a past time, as in That music takes me back to the first dance I ever went to. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): take something back
to retract a statement; to rescind one’s remark. • You had better take back what you said about my sister. • I won’t take what I said back! She’s a twit!, Phrase(s): take one back (to some time)
Fig. to cause one to think of a time in the past. • This takes me back to the time I spent the summer in Paris. • What you said really takes me back., Phrase(s): take something back (from someone)
to take possession of something that one had previously given away. • I took my sweater back from Tim, since he never wore it. • I took back my money from the child.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs