rework; backtracking; returning to a previous step
Used in project management, software development, and manufacturing to describe the act of going back to an earlier stage because of a mistake, change in requirements, or defect. Often implies wasted effort or schedule impact.
Rework occurred due to a specification change.
We thoroughly examine things at the design stage to minimize backtracking.
Compound of 手 (hand, method) and 戻り (returning). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged in business or engineering contexts to describe the act of returning to a previous work step.