Phrase guide

retrace one's steps

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To return to a place one has been to before.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: backtrack

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To remind oneself of places one has been to, usually in order to try and find something one's lost.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, idiomatic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: hacer memoria — To remind oneself of places one has been to