Phrase guide

pull in one's horns

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To become less impassioned, aggressive, or argumentative; to exercise restraint; to yield or capitulate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him
  • He backed out of his earlier promise
  • The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: retreat, pull back, back out, back away, crawfish, crawfish out, withdraw

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In reference to the behaviour of a snail when it is threatened.