Pronunciation: [dˈʌbə͡l bˈak] (IPA) 
Double back is spelled as /dʌbəl bæk/. The IPA phonetic transcription explains the pronunciation of the word, which means to go back on the same route. The first syllable "du" is pronounced like "duh" with a short "u" sound. The second syllable "ble" is pronounced like "bull" with a short "e" sound. The final syllable "back" is pronounced like "bak" with a short "a" sound. Together, the word is pronounced "duh-bull-bak."
Double back is a verb phrase that refers to the action of returning to a previous location, direction, or thought. It entails retracting one's steps or reversing a previous course of action in order to revisit a place or reconsider a decision. This term is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
In the literal sense, "double back" indicates physically going back the same way one came from. For example, if someone realizes they left their phone at home after walking a few blocks, they might decide to double back to retrieve it. Similarly, if someone is hiking and realizes they took the wrong trail, they might double back to find the correct path.
Metaphorically, "double back" is used to describe a change in direction or a reevaluation of a previous decision or thought. It can involve going back on or revising a previous stance or belief. For instance, a politician might double back on a campaign promise after public backlash or reconsider a decision after realizing its potential consequences.
Overall, "double back" denotes the act of retracing steps, reversing direction, or revisiting past ideas, actions, or places, either literally or metaphorically, in order to correct or reassess one's course.
The word "double back" is composed of the words "double" and "back", each with their own etymology.
The word "double" originated from the Old French word "dooble", which itself came from the Latin word "duplus", meaning "twofold" or "double". The Latin "duplus" is a combination of "duo" (meaning "two") and "plus" (meaning "more"). It entered the English language around the 14th century.
The word "back" can be traced back to the Old English word "bæc", which meant "the rear or hindmost part". Its origin includes the Proto-Germanic word "bakam" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhago", both referring to the back part of something. The word "back" has been in use since the early Old English period.
