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

The descent to Avernus is easy; the gate of Pluto stands open night and day; but to retrace one's steps and return to the upper air, that is the toil, that the difficulty.

From Bulfinch's Mythology: the Age of Fable by Bulfinch, Thomas

The best way, as I have heard, to get out of a labyrinth, is to retrace one's steps.

From The Confidence-Man by Melville, Herman

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