draw back

1. Withdraw from an undertaking, as in I was too deeply committed to draw back now . [Mid-1800s]

2. Retreat, as in The heckler drew back into the crowd to avoid being identified . [c. 1300]

Example Sentences

This means drawing back the curtain to show audiences some of the backstage production processes to ensure they understand and feel confident that contestants are adequately cared for.

From BBC

At the Black Conservative Federation RNC's event, attendees spoke of the long effort to draw back voters to the party of Lincoln.

From Salon

Mr Baldwin has maintained he did not pull the trigger, and only drew back the hammer of the pistol, but if convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison.

From BBC

Mr Baldwin has maintained he did not pull the trigger, and only drew back the hammer of the pistol.

From BBC

We drew back under Camilla’s bed to keep from being trampled and mashed flat.

From Literature