Turn back is a phrasal verb that expresses the idea of reversing direction or abandoning a course of action. There are several synonyms to this phrase that can be used interchangeably to convey the same idea. Some common synonyms for turn back include "retreat," "retract," "about-face," "backpedal," "recede," and "fall back." Each of these phrases implies a change of direction or a decision to abandon a previously chosen path. For example, you might say that a hiker had to retreat after reaching an impasse, or that a politician decided to backpedal on a controversial issue. Whatever the context, each of these expressions signals a change in direction or strategy.