The correct spelling of the phrase "turn back on" is /tɜːn bæk ɒn/. The word "turn" is spelled as it sounds, while "back" has a silent "c" and "k" at the end, making it pronounced as /bæk/. Meanwhile, "on" is pronounced with a long "o" sound as /ɒn/, unlike words such as "one" or "gone" which have a short "o" sound. To turn back on something means to reverse a decision or to abandon an idea or plan.
The phrasal verb "turn back on" refers to the act of resuming or recommencing a certain action, task, or process that was previously halted, abandoned, or discontinued. It implies reversing a decision or a previous course of action and returning to a previous state or direction. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
In a literal sense, it can refer to the act of restarting a machine, device, or electrical appliance after it was intentionally switched off, or when a power outage has occurred. For instance, one might say, "After the power was restored, I turned back on the lights and the television." This usage pertains to physically activating or restarting an electrical device that was previously switched off.
Figuratively, "turning back on" signifies resuming something that was paused or abandoned, such as a project, plan, relationship, or goal. For example, in the context of a business project, one might state, "After considering the setbacks, we decided to turn back on the initial plan and proceed with the project." This usage involves the decision to restart or continue an endeavor that was temporarily halted or put aside.
In summary, "turn back on" is a phrasal verb that encompasses the act of restarting a physical or metaphorical process, either by reactivating an electrical device or by resuming an interrupted course of action or plan.