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Work Back

What Does "Work Back" Mean?

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"Work back" is an English idiom. It means "to retrace one's steps or efforts in order to understand or resolve a problem or situation."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "work back" used in a sentence:
  • They needed to work back through the data to identify the source of the error.
  • In order to find the missing document, she had to work back through her email archives.
  • The detective had to work back through the timeline of events to solve the mystery.
meaning for work back

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Work Back" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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