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call back — 2 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb2 meanings
call backsame phrase

Which one do you mean?

return a phone call

Sorry I missed your call earlier—I'll call you back after my meeting.

ask someone to return

The manager called back the team to finish the project after a sudden change in plans.

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Meanings in detail

1. return a phone call

B1neutralspoken

to phone someone again after you missed their call or need to respond to their message.

Sorry I missed your call earlier—I'll call you back after my meeting.

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2. ask someone to return

B2neutralboth

to ask someone to come back to a place, often because they are needed again.

The manager called back the team to finish the project after a sudden change in plans.

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