pull back

verb

1. to return or be returned to a rearward position by pulling

   the army pulled back

noun

1. the act of pulling back
2. a device for restraining the motion of a mechanism, etc, or for returning it to its original position

Idioms and Phrases

Retreat, as in The troops gradually pulled back . [Mid-1500s]

Example Sentences

With her signature shawl draped over her shoulders and silver hair pulled back from her face, Jane Goodall exudes serenity - even over our slightly blurry video call.

From BBC

That helped diversify Spotify’s offering, but the company eventually pulled back on some big deals after overspending.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s a guy that you have to pull back,” Foster said, “like, ‘OK, Kwazi, turn it down a little bit.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Gascón has countered by arguing that Hochman wants to return to mass incarceration and pull back on police reform and accountability.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 2022 midterms, polls underestimated Democratic support by around four points, with a predicted red wave in Congress pulled back by a Democratic undertow and netting only a 10 seats for the GOP.

From Salon

Related Words

• confine
• constrain
• curb
• curtail
• detain
• deter
• govern
• hamper
• hinder
• inhibit
• keep down
• kill
• limit
• prevent
• repress
• restrict
• subdue
• suppress