circling back

Definition

The act of returning to a previous topic or decision, usually after everyone hoped it was dead and buried. Corporate speak for 'remember that thing we already discussed to death?'

Example Usage

Just circling back on the Q3 budget proposal we discussed last month—apparently we need another meeting about it.

Origin

Common business communication phrase from the 2000s

Fun Fact

Studies of corporate email show 'circling back' is often code for 'I forgot about this until someone reminded me.'

Source: Business communication and meeting culture terminology

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💼 Corporate / Business

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