retrace my steps vs return my steps

The correct phrase is 'retrace my steps.' 'Return my steps' is not a common or correct phrase in English. 'Retrace my steps' is a common expression used to mean going back over the same path one has taken before.

Last updated: April 10, 2024 • 827 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"retrace my steps"

This phrase is used to mean going back over the same path one has taken before, especially when trying to remember something or find something lost.

Examples:

I need to retrace my steps to find where I dropped my keys.
After getting lost in the woods, I had to retrace my steps to find my way back.
She had to retrace her steps to remember where she parked her car.

Show examples from the web [+]

Aug 22, 2017 ... I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” —Mahatma Gandhi. Going back to the basics will ...
Retrace Lyrics: High as an elephant's eye / Before we even left / And when the party had died / And as we drank the rest / I retrace my steps / Snowy ...
May 18, 2018 ... Off ✈️ to retrace my steps in #Boston for the weekend, but first - #breakfast! Omelette with spinach and bell pepper +.
I'm going to retrace my steps for a minute. Ages ago, I lived in a rundown Hollywood apartment complex. My neighbor was a struggling actor named Sam.
"Perhaps I am doomed to retrace my steps under..." - Andre Breton quotes from BrainyQuote.com.
Jul 19, 2019 ... I don't know how it happened- I've never lost a car-I might have to retrace my steps back to the bar. I stepped into a puddle- I'm bleeding ...
And as I faced it, it would not retreat, but paced before me and so blocked my way that more than once i had to turn my feet to retrace my steps.

This phrase is not correct or commonly used in English.

"return my steps"

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 17, 2016 ... I seek this option in order to return my steps if it necessary. I try to find such option in the menu and didn't found any like it.
The code just finishes without errors. The ApiClient returns that it is indeed connected to Google Fit. Why does the History API not return my steps I added to ...
Jul 24, 2018 ... Rather than return my steps I'm going to repaint. Any suggestions for a black paint? I'm considering something like Line-X or Rhino-liner ...
Jan 26, 2021 ... I return my steps to you. [Pre-Chorus: Yoohyeon, Siyeon] Oh, I, I'm getting addicted. Now I already fall in love. Covering your eyes again
Thus he will not act haughtily toward his fellows…” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). “I have considered my ways and I shall return my steps to Your testimonies.
Jan 26, 2021 ... I return my steps to you. Oh I'm getting addicted. Now I already fall in love. Covering your eyes again. Why do you You you you make me cry.
I actually am going to return my steps because they aren't high enough (read the measurements incorrectly). However, I'm still happy to leave a review as I ...

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retrace my steps vs return my steps

"retrace my steps"

"return my steps"

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