retrace one's steps

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One is led on and on with a zany Cartesian logic, but one can never retrace one's steps and relate the story coherently.

From Time Magazine Archive

From Catherington, one may either retrace one’s steps to the Portsmouth Road above Horndean, or else continue on the by-lanes that bring the pedestrian to the highway below that wayside hamlet.

From The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries To-Day and in Days of Old by Harper, Charles G. (Charles George)

Now it was no light matter to have to retrace one's steps back to the butter-shop, as the way was long and the day was very hot.

From The Book of Noodles Stories of Simpletons; or, Fools and Their Follies by Clouston, William Alexander

But there are so many "pastures green," and it is often difficult to retrace one's steps.

From The Art of Interior Decoration by Wood, Grace

To retrace one's steps, and follow to the end the faintly distinguishable directions, appears to be the essential element in poetic imagination.

From Laughter : an Essay on the Meaning of the Comic by Brereton, Cloudesley Shovell Henry