Phrase guide
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
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
verb
To withdraw; to discontinue what one is doing or saying; to back off.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Australia, New-Zealand, figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Perhaps from the habit of soldiers poking their heads out of army troop trains to make smart remarks, or in reference to a turtle drawing its head inside its shell for protection. Australian from circa 1930.
