to turn back / turn down
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to turn down
To set something back to its original position or to an earlier, lower value by turning it.
Kannst du bitte die Heizung ein wenig zurückdrehen? Es ist zu warm hier.
Could you please turn the heating down a little? It's too warm in here.
to turn back
Figuratively: to undo a development, process, or decision. Often used in the expressions 'die Zeit zurückdrehen' (to turn back time) or 'das Rad der Geschichte zurückdrehen' (to turn back the wheel of history).
Leider kann man die Zeit nicht zurückdrehen und den Fehler ungeschehen machen.
Unfortunately, you can't turn back time and undo the mistake.
'Zurückdrehen' (to turn back/turn down) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich drehe die Musik etwas zurück, sie ist zu laut.
I'm turning the music down a bit; it's too loud.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the object. If 'zurückdrehen' (to turn back/turn down) refers to a physical object with a control dial or knob (heating, radio), the literal meaning is intended. If it refers to an abstract concept (time, development), the figurative meaning is intended.
Dreh bitte den Wasserhahn ganz zurück, er tropft.
Please turn the faucet all the way back; it's dripping.
In the figurative meaning, the verb is often used in fixed expressions. Especially common are 'die Zeit zurückdrehen' (to turn back time) and 'das Rad der Geschichte zurückdrehen' (to turn back the wheel of history).
Wenn ich die Zeit zurückdrehen könnte, würde ich vieles anders machen.
If I could turn back time, I would do many things differently.
to take back
Zurücknehmen is used when a political statement or declaration is retracted and is no longer meant to apply. Zurückdrehen, by contrast, refers more to undoing a development or process that resulted from it. The direct object determines which perspective is appropriate here.
Nach heftiger Kritik versucht die Regierung, die dadurch ausgelöste Entwicklung zurückzudrehen.
After strong criticism, the government tries to reverse the development triggered by it.
Nach heftiger Kritik nimmt der Minister seine umstrittene Erklärung zurück.
After strong criticism, the minister retracts his controversial statement.
