relate back to
idiom
: to be connected with (something in the past)
Their grudge relates back to a misunderstanding that took place years ago.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Pick pieces that relate back to your existing decor and incorporate them into your design scheme.
—
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2023
By the third act, though, the film ties itself up in knots to relate back to the original series, and the twist is utterly predictable to those even passingly familiar with the series' time-jumping antics.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 28 Sep. 2022
It’s explained at the end of the video how each of these sets relate back to Abloh, who also oversaw the artistic design of Louis Vuitton’s menswear.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Apr. 2022
Tramaine’s artworks often relate back to her upbringing and honoring the women that raised her.
—Essence, 22 Oct. 2021
How does this relate back to Facebook and the human element?
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2021
And finally: How on earth does this relate back to a perfume?
—refinery29.com, 4 Aug. 2021
Could Christian Yelich's power struggles relate back to his 2019 knee injury?
—Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 July 2021
A lot of Rosas' major moves and obstacles relate back to major decisions Thibodeau made during his tenure.
—Chris Hine, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See More
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2023
By the third act, though, the film ties itself up in knots to relate back to the original series, and the twist is utterly predictable to those even passingly familiar with the series' time-jumping antics.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 28 Sep. 2022
It’s explained at the end of the video how each of these sets relate back to Abloh, who also oversaw the artistic design of Louis Vuitton’s menswear.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Apr. 2022
Tramaine’s artworks often relate back to her upbringing and honoring the women that raised her.
—Essence, 22 Oct. 2021
How does this relate back to Facebook and the human element?
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2021
And finally: How on earth does this relate back to a perfume?
—refinery29.com, 4 Aug. 2021
Could Christian Yelich's power struggles relate back to his 2019 knee injury?
—Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 July 2021
A lot of Rosas' major moves and obstacles relate back to major decisions Thibodeau made during his tenure.
—Chris Hine, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relate back to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near relate back to
Cite this Entry
“Relate back to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20back%20to. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
-
Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying
Trust us
-
Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins
You've used more than you might think
-
Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2
When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do
-
When Were Words First Used?
Look up any year to find out
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share