takebacks
Words you swallow
Takebacks are attempts to reverse or undo something already done or said—withdrawing a statement, reclaiming a gift, or canceling a move in a game.
The term is informal and often appears in contexts where such reversals are disputed or prohibited: No takebacks!
Children invoke the rule during trades or games; adults use it for commitments that can't be undone.
Unofficial second attempt
replay · reset · rematch · freebie · house rules · honor system · casual play
Act of taking away
- recantationFormal withdrawal of statement
- disavowalRejection of connection
- reversalComplete change of direction
- rescindingFormally canceling or withdrawing
revocation · cancellation · repudiation · renunciation · disclaimer · contradiction · backpedaling · backtracking
Restoring proper function
- amendingModifying to improve
- rectifyingCorrecting an error
- remedyingCorrecting a fault
- redoingPerforming a task again
revising · editing · rewriting · erasing · deleting · ctrl-z · undelete · restore
Guilt for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
sorrow · self-reproach · atonement · compunction · repentance · shame · second-guessing · hindsight
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- making amendsCompensating for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- second chanceRenewed opportunity after failure
- reprievePostponement of punishment
absolution · reconciliation · mending · patching up · rebuilding · fresh start
mulligan
Unofficial second attempt
restart · replay · reset · rematch · freebie · house rules · honor system · casual play
withdrawal
Act of taking away
- recantationFormal withdrawal of statement
- disavowalRejection of connection
- reversalComplete change of direction
rescinding · revocation · cancellation · repudiation · renunciation · disclaimer · contradiction · backpedaling · backtracking · about-face
fixing
Restoring proper function
- amendingModifying to improve
- rectifyingCorrecting an error
- remedyingCorrecting a fault
redoing · revising · editing · rewriting · erasing · deleting · ctrl-z · undelete · restore
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
apology · sorrow · self-reproach · atonement · compunction · repentance · shame · second-guessing · hindsight · wishing
forgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- making amendsCompensating for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- second chanceRenewed opportunity after failure
reprieve · absolution · reconciliation · mending · patching up · rebuilding · fresh start
takebacksfollow-through
Completing what you began
commitments · binding agreements · binding promises · good faith · reliability