Circle Back (To Something): Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 14, 2023

The idiom "circle back" is often used in professional settings to mean revisiting or returning to an issue or topic at a later time. When you say you'll "circle back" to something, you are essentially promising to revisit it in the future.

In short:

"Circle back" means to revisit or return to an issue or topic at a later time.

What Does "Circle Back" Mean?

People use the idiom "circle back" in conversations, particularly in professional contexts, to indicate their intention to revisit a particular topic or issue later on. This phrase is common in business meetings and is often used to suggest that further thought, discussion, or research is needed.

  • Revisiting an issue or topic
  • Indicating a return to a previous discussion point
  • Primarily used in professional settings

The idiom is often used to ensure that an important point is addressed thoroughly and not overlooked.

Where Does "Circle Back" Come From?

The phrase "circle back" is a relatively modern idiom, most likely stemming from the concept of making a complete rotation or journey and then returning to the starting point. This term has been adopted in business jargon, where circling back often means returning to an unresolved matter or a topic that requires further exploration.

Historical Example

"Let's circle back to this topic in our next meeting."

- Commonly used in business meetings

10 Examples of "Circle Back" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in various contexts:

  • Let's circle back to this discussion after we've gathered more data.
  • Have a safe trip; I will circle back with you on that issue next week.
  • We need to circle back to the burner accounts fiasco at a later date.
  • Could we circle back to your point about marketing strategies?
  • Let's circle back to this topic when we have more time.
  • After the meeting, I realized I needed to circle back to the client's issues tout de suite.
  • She said she would circle back to me with the information I needed.
  • I'll circle back to this matter after our lunch break.
  • I got to err on the side of caution. Let's circle back to this point once we've heard everyone's input.
  • I'll circle back to this email once I've received the necessary data.

Examples of "Circle Back" in Pop Culture

The phrase is more common in business or professional environments than in pop culture. However, you may encounter it in movies or television shows featuring workplace scenarios.

Some examples include:

  • "He circled back across Chaco Wash and picked up the gravel road that leads northwestward toward Nageezi Trading Post" is a quote from the crime fiction novel A Thief of Time by Tony Hillerman.
  • "And if the unsub holds to the pattern, he's gonna circle back and try to kill her" is a line from the TV series Criminal Minds.
  • The phrase circle back" is included in the top 10 of Michigan University's Banished Words List of 2022. The judges chose "the most overused, misused, and groan-inducing phrases" out of 1250 submissions.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Circle Back"

There are several other ways to express the concept of "circle back" in English.

Some of these alternatives include:

  • Revisit
  • Return to
  • Go back to
  • Look at again
  • Touch base on
  • Follow up on
  • Check back in on
  • Readdress

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Circle Back":

  • What does "circle back" mean?

"Circle back" means to revisit or return to an issue or topic at a later time.

  • Where does the phrase come from?

The phrase "circle back" is a relatively modern idiom, likely derived from the concept of making a complete rotation or journey and then returning to the starting point. It's commonly used in business jargon.

  • How can I use "circle back" in a sentence?

You can use "circle back" in a sentence to indicate a future return to a topic or issue, such as, "It's a wrap! We'll circle back to this discussion point in our next meeting."

  • Is "circle back" a formal or informal phrase?

'Circle back' is generally considered a formal term, often used in professional settings like business meetings.

  • What are some common situations where "circle back" is used?

"Circle back" is typically used in situations where a topic needs further discussion, research, or consideration. It is commonly used in meetings, project management, and professional correspondence.

  • Can you use "circle back" as a verb?

Yes, "circle back" can be used as a verb to describe the action of returning to a topic or issue. For example: "I will circle back to this matter after reviewing the report."

  • What are some synonyms for "circle back"?

Some synonyms for "circle back" include revisit, return to, go back to, look at again, touch base on, follow up on, check back in on, and readdress.

  • Can "circle back" be used in casual conversation?

While "circle back" is typically used in professional contexts, it can be used in casual conversation to indicate a return to a previous topic. For example, "Let's circle back to that movie you mentioned earlier."

  • Is "circle back" used in written or spoken English?

"Circle back" can be used in both written and spoken English. It is often found in business emails and professional meetings.

  • Is "circle back" an offensive or derogatory term?

"Circle back" is not offensive or derogatory. It is a neutral term used to indicate the intention to revisit a topic or issue.

Final Thoughts About "Circle Back"

Put simply, "circle back" is a term that means to revisit or return to a topic or issue at a later time. It's predominantly used in formal or professional contexts and is a common business jargon.

Key aspects of the phrase:

  • It indicates a future return to a topic or issue
  • It has its origins in the modern business language
  • It is appropriate in formal or professional contexts

By understanding and using the phrase in your discussions, you can effectively convey your intention to return to a topic at a later time. This can be particularly useful in professional settings, where many issues may need to be addressed in a structured manner.

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