- To return to a topic, question, or issue at a later time, often because more information or thought is needed before addressing it properly.
Explanation
Origin
- Business and potentially military jargon, likely originating in the US. Evokes imagery of circling around to revisit a point.
- Often used to defer a discussion or answer politely.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Let's park that (for now). (Set aside temporarily)
- Pin that. / Put a pin in that. (Mark to return to)
- Let's kick that can down the road. (Delay dealing with a problem often negative)
Milder/Standard:
- Let me get back to you on that. (Very common alternative)
- Can we come back to this point later?
- I'll follow up once I have the information.
More Formal:
- Let's defer discussion on this item.
- We will revisit this matter subsequently.
Situational Appropriateness
- Predominantly used in business, corporate, government, and sometimes academic settings.
- Can sound like corporate jargon and be perceived as evasive if overused or used to avoid difficult questions. Generally too formal/jargony for casual chats.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The metaphor can be confusing. Explain it means return to this topic/question later.
- Warn students that it's often considered corporate jargon and can sometimes be used to avoid giving a direct answer.
Examples
- I don't have the sales figures right now, but I'll circle back with you this afternoon.
- That's an important point about budget constraints. Let's circle back to that after we review the proposal.
Dialogue
Board Member: What are the potential legal implications of this merger?
CEO: That requires input from our legal counsel, who isn't in this meeting. Let me consult with them and circle back to the board with a detailed analysis by Friday.
Board Member: Thank you, that would be appreciated.
Social Media Examples
- Work Email: ...Regarding your question on the timeline for Phase 2, I need to confirm with the dev team. I will circle back with an update by EOD tomorrow. Best, [Your Name]
- Team Meeting Minutes: Action Item: Marketing team to circle back with competitor analysis data by next meeting.
Response Patterns
- Okay, thanks.
- Sounds good, let me know.
- Sure, we can discuss it later.
- Alright, looking forward to the update.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they'll circle back:
- Typically just acknowledge (Okay, Thanks). The expectation is they *will* follow up.
If the person doesn't follow up:
- The other party might gently prompt later (Hi, just checking if you had a chance to circle back on X?).
Conversation Starter
- No. Used mid-conversation to postpone discussion of a specific item.
Intonation
- Stress usually on CIRCLE BACK. Let me CIRCLE BACK on that.
- Tone is often neutral, professional, sometimes slightly evasive or deferential.
Generation Differences
- Most common among professionals, particularly in corporate environments (roughly 30s-60s). Less common among younger people or in non-professional contexts.
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English business jargon. Heard elsewhere but strongly associated with US corporate culture.