Differences between claw back and roll back
Claw back means to regain or recover something that was lost or taken away, often through forceful or aggressive means. Roll back, on the other hand, means to reduce or reverse something, often in a gradual or systematic way.
Meanings and Definitions: claw back vs roll back
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Claw back
- 1Get money back.
The new tax will CLAW BACK what the government has given out in grants.
- 2Retake possession with difficulty.
The opposition parties are trying to CLAW BACK the voters they lost in the last election.
- 3Regain possession with difficulty.
They are CLAWING BACK their market share from their competitors.
Roll back
- 1Retreat.
The army ROLLED BACK when they came under attack.
- 2Reduce or remove.
The government want to ROLL BACK the freedom of the press.
Usage Examples: claw back, roll back in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
claw back
Example
The company is trying to claw back its lost profits.
Example
She claws back the money she lent to her friend.
roll back
Example
The company decided to roll back the new software update due to technical issues.
Example
The government rolls back some of the restrictions as the situation improves.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Claw back
To regain possession or control of something that was lost or taken away.
Example
The company managed to recover some of the stolen data by tracing the hacker's IP address.
To take back or restore something that was previously owned or controlled.
Example
The government is planning to reclaim the land that was illegally occupied by a private company.
To get back or recover something that was lost or misplaced.
Example
He had to retrieve his passport from the hotel reception before leaving for the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Roll back
To change or undo something that was previously established or implemented.
Example
The new administration promised to reverse the previous government's immigration policies.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
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Phrasal Verbs with “back”
Differences in claw back vs roll back: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: claw back or roll back?
Both claw back and roll back are used in various contexts, but roll back is more common in everyday conversation. It's often used in politics, economics, and technology to describe the process of reducing or reversing policies, prices, or changes. Claw back is less common and usually used in more specific contexts such as finance or legal matters.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of claw back and roll back
Claw back and roll back are both formal expressions that are more suitable for professional or academic settings. They are not commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of claw back and roll back
The tone of claw back and roll back can differ based on context. Claw back often carries a forceful or aggressive tone when related to regaining something that was lost or stolen, while roll back typically has a neutral or strategic tone, especially when referring to reducing or reversing policies or prices.