bite back

British

verb

(tr, adverb) to restrain (a hurtful, embarrassing, or indiscreet remark); avoid saying

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But watching huge crowds march through Budapest to celebrate gay pride, free speech and the right to assemble - all in defiance of the ban - many wonder: could the liberal worldview bite back?

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2025

"The macro is signalling you to sell or go short, but you'd be very cautious because of the ability of a short market to bite back," said Bhar.

From Reuters • Oct. 4, 2022

The hope was that after a year away from the league and an offseason that included EuroLeague Finals MVP honors, she’d give some bite back to the Storm defense.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 29, 2022

They keep their shape and, in a good salad, bite back at the vinaigrette’s richness just the right amount.

From Slate • May 1, 2018

I bite back a twinge of disappointment and shoot him a quick text.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023