Crawl back to Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To return to someone or someplace in a humble or apologetic way, especially after making a mistake or being rejected.
Usage & Nuances
Always informal and slightly negative—implies shame, reluctance, or defeat. Often used when someone returns to an ex, employer, or friend after a disagreement or mistake. Stronger than just 'go back': suggests loss of pride.
Example Sentences
He had to crawl back to his boss after quitting his job.
basic
After their fight, she didn't want to crawl back to her friend.
basic
Tom refused to crawl back to his ex-girlfriend.
basic
If you mess things up, don't expect me to let you just crawl back to me.
natural
He swore he'd never crawl back to that company, no matter what.
natural
My pride won't let me just crawl back to them after everything that happened.
natural