Have to RETURN is a phrase that can be broken down into two words: OWE and RETURN. OWE is a verb meaning to be under an obligation to pay or repay something, usually money, to someone else. RETURN is a verb meaning to go back to a place or person. Together, the phrase HAVE TO RETURN means to be obligated to go back to a place or person. This phrase is often used when someone has borrowed something from another person and must RETURN it.