Put back
verb
To return something to its original place.
After you finish reading the book, can you put it back on the shelf?
Often appears as...
- put it back
- put back the book
verb
To delay or postpone something.
The meeting has been put back until next week
Often appears as...
- put back the meeting
- put back the deadline
verb
To consume or drink large quantity, especially alcohol.
He can put back quite a few beers
Often appears as...
- put back a few beers
- put back a drink
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To change the time in reverse direction, especially related to clocks.
Don't forget to put your clocks back tonight
Often appears as...
- put back the clock
- put back the time
verb
To return something to its original place.
After you finish reading the book, can you put it back on the shelf?
Often appears as...
- put it back
- put back the book
verb
To delay or postpone something.
The meeting has been put back until next week
Often appears as...
- put back the meeting
- put back the deadline
verb
To consume or drink large quantity, especially alcohol.
He can put back quite a few beers
Often appears as...
- put back a few beers
- put back a drink
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To change the time in reverse direction, especially related to clocks.
Don't forget to put your clocks back tonight
Often appears as...
- put back the clock
- put back the time
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Use 'put back' when talking about physical items you moved and must return to where they were.
I put the controller back on the TV stand.
Pro Tip 2/3Location Specific
The phrase often implies that the location where the item belongs is known and specific.
She put the tools back in the garage.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Use
Emphasizes that the item was used temporarily and should be returned for others to use.
After playing the guitar, put it back in its case.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Use 'put back' when talking about physical items you moved and must return to where they were.
I put the controller back on the TV stand.
Pro Tip 2/3Location Specific
The phrase often implies that the location where the item belongs is known and specific.
She put the tools back in the garage.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Use
Emphasizes that the item was used temporarily and should be returned for others to use.
After playing the guitar, put it back in its case.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Items
Use 'put back' when talking about physical items you moved and must return to where they were.
I put the controller back on the TV stand.
Pro Tip 2/3Location Specific
The phrase often implies that the location where the item belongs is known and specific.
She put the tools back in the garage.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Use
Emphasizes that the item was used temporarily and should be returned for others to use.
After playing the guitar, put it back in its case.
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