What does the phrasal verb “roll back” mean?

What are the definitions of “roll back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Retreat.

  The army ROLLED BACK when they came under attack.

• 2. Reduce or remove.

  The government want to ROLL BACK the freedom of the press.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “roll back”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb roll back is to reverse or undo something, often referring to changes or progress made. It can be used to describe retreating in a battle or reducing or removing certain policies or regulations.

What are the different verb forms of “roll back”?

Root Verb	roll back
Third Person Singular Present	rolls back
Present Participle	rolling back
Simple Past	rolled back
Past Participle	rolled 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.

Example

They are rolling back the price increase after receiving customer complaints.

Example

The army rolled back when they came under attack.

Example

The controversial policy was rolled back after public outcry.

What kind of phrasal verb is “roll back”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“roll back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The company rolled back the price increase.

Example

The government rolled back the new regulations.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“roll back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The company rolled back the price increase.

Example

The government rolled back the new regulations.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “roll back”?

Roll back the clock

To return to an earlier time or situation, often in a nostalgic or idealized way.

Example

Sometimes, I wish I could roll back the clock and relive my childhood.

Roll back the years

Similar to 'roll back the clock,' it means to return to an earlier time or situation, often in a nostalgic or idealized way.

Example

The reunion made us feel like we rolled back the years to our high school days.

Roll back prices

To reduce prices, often to a previous level.

Example

The store is having a sale where they roll back prices to what they were 10 years ago.

Good things to know

Does “roll back” have an informal or formal tone?

Roll back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news articles or business discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “roll back”?

Synonyms

• reverse
• undo
• retreat
• repeal
• rescind
• revoke
• cancel
• abolish

Antonyms

• advance
• implement
• introduce
• enforce
• establish
• proceed
• progress