逆戻り

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 逆戻り is read as ぎゃくもどり and functions as a noun or with する for a process or condition moving back to an earlier stage.
• Basic usage: Mark the starting point with に in 振り出しに逆戻りする and the backward direction with へ in 冬へ逆戻りする.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal and figurative reversal
  • A discussion returning to square one is a setback in a process, while seeming to return to winter is a figurative response to renewed cold.
• Different from an ordinary return
  • The emphasis is backward movement in progress or change, not simply going back to a familiar place.