頭こうべを回めぐらす

expression, godan verb (-su)

turn one's head; look back; look over one's shoulder

Literally turning one's head to look behind or around. Often used in narrative or descriptive contexts.

• 彼かれは後うしろを振ふり返かえるように、こうべをめぐらした。

  He turned his head as if to look back.

expression, godan verb (-su)

reflect on; think back; reminisce

Figurative use: mentally looking back on past events or memories. Often used with 過去, 思い出, etc.

• 彼かれは青せい春しゅん時じ代だいにこうべをめぐらし、懐なつかしんだ。

  He looked back on his youth and felt nostalgic.