in reverse

in reverse — idiom

1. Moving or operating backward, toward the starting point instead of the usual for

1.慣用語B1
釋義

Moving or operating backward, toward the starting point instead of the usual forward direction.

例句

Tariq put the car in reverse and backed carefully into the narrow parking space.

driving context: put the car in reverse + backed

The motor on the fishing boat started running in reverse, pulling the anchor line back.

同義詞
  • backwards

    more general; can describe any backward motion, not just vehicle gears

  • rearward

    formal or technical; describes direction toward the back

反義詞
  • forward

    the opposite direction, toward the front or destination

用法筆記

Common in driving contexts with "put" or "shift" ([put the car] in reverse). For machines with a reverse setting, use "run" or "operate" ([run the machine] in reverse).

常見錯誤

❌He reversed the car in reverse.
✅He put the car in reverse.
💡'Reverse' as a noun gear setting pairs with 'put' or 'shift into,' not as a verb object.

2. In a sequence that goes from the last item to the first, opposite to the usual o

2.慣用語B2
釋義

In a sequence that goes from the last item to the first, opposite to the usual order.

例句

The teacher asked the children to recite the months in reverse, beginning with December.

pattern: [list] in reverse + beginning with [last item]

The recipe listed the steps in reverse, so Putri read from the bottom to start.

同義詞
  • in reverse order

    the full form of the phrase, slightly more formal

  • backwards

    informal; used for counting or listing from the end

反義詞
  • in order

    following the normal sequence from first to last

用法筆記

Often followed by a specifying phrase: [list] in reverse by [criterion] or [list] in reverse, [starting/beginning with…]. Do not confuse with "in reverse order" — both are used, but "in reverse order" is the more complete form.

常見錯誤

❌Count in reverse from ten.
✅Count backwards from ten.
💡For countdowns by number, use 'backwards'; 'in reverse' prefers a list or sequence.

3. Moving from a good or successful state toward a worse or less favorable conditio

3.慣用語C1
釋義

Moving from a good or successful state toward a worse or less favorable condition, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

例句

After the CEO resigned, the company's progress went into reverse within months.

pattern: [progress/situation] went into reverse

The patient's recovery went into reverse when a new infection reached her bloodstream.

同義詞
  • deteriorate

    more direct verb; 'in reverse' implies a turn-around from progress, not just gradual decay

  • regress

    formal synonym; emphasizes returning to an earlier, worse stage

反義詞
  • improve

    moving toward a better condition, the opposite trajectory

用法筆記

Almost always used with the verb "go" ([something] goes/went into reverse). The subject is typically an abstract noun such as "progress," "recovery," "reform," or "peace." Rarely used in everyday conversation; belongs to news, business, and formal reporting.