hark back

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to return to an earlier subject, point, or position, as in speech or thought

---

hark back Idioms  

1. Return to a previous point, as in Let us hark back briefly to my first statement. This expression originally alluded to hounds retracing their course when they have lost their quarry's scent. It may be dying out. [First half of 1800s]

---

Example Sentences

The commuters in “Le Métro” hark back to his early streetcar scenes but now there’s an air of mystery to the straphangers, with the central figure’s face obscured and bisected by a subway pole.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

They want to hark back to the EU’s timid origins some 60 years ago when cooperation was much more voluntary and limited.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

For some observers, the protests hark back to the 1960s, and demonstrations against US involvement in the Vietnam War.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2024

The rhythmic underpinnings hark back to the Police; the lyrics recognize passing years but reaffirm affection: “The way you look at me I swear my heart hits rewind,” Stefani sings.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Sometimes in public, hearing a stranger, I’d hark back to my past.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• degenerate
• go back
• react
• regress
• turn back