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Region: US | Usage example: Let's circle back after we've reviewed the data.

Circle back

Meaning

Return to something later.

Usage

Used in meetings to defer discussion.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Corporate jargon for revisiting a topic.

Popularized in business language in the 1980s.

Related Idioms

Back to the drawing board

Return to planning stage after a failure.

Circle the wagons

Prepare a defensive coalition.

Go back to the drawing board

Restart planning from scratch.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.