Phrasal verbs "claw back" vs "roll back"

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.

To reduce or decrease the size, scope, or intensity of something.

Example

The company had to scale down its operations due to the pandemic-related restrictions.

To reduce or decrease the amount, quantity, or frequency of something.

Example

The doctor advised him to cut back on his caffeine intake to improve his sleep quality.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “roll”

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.

claw back & roll back: Synonyms and Antonyms

Claw back

Synonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!