Search
Select the dictionary language
to flash back
[phrase form: flash]
01
(of movies, novels, etc.) to present a scene or sequence that depicts events in the past
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
action verb
regular
inseparable
particle
back
base verb
flash
present tense
flash back
3rd person singular
flashes back
present participle
flashing back
past simple
flashed back
past participle
flashed back
Examples
The TV series frequently flashed back to the characters' early relationships to reveal how they had evolved.
02
to suddenly and vividly remember a past event, often in a way that feels as if one is reliving it
Examples
The sight of the old photograph made her flash back to the family vacations she used to take.
03
to respond swiftly and often angrily to a comment, question, etc.
Examples
When confronted with the accusation, he immediately flashed back, defending his actions.
