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

But they also recently passed a budget that pulls back on costly plans to provide health insurance to all low-income undocumented immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

So many corporations that were supporting these efforts recently have pulled back completely, and that’s created a challenging role for us as an organization.

From Los Angeles Times

On each occasion, however, Liverpool have pulled back from the brink to win.

From BBC

But, if we didn’t see it earlier, Kirk’s killing has made it clear that there are too many boys that need to be pulled back from the brink of a very bad something.

From Los Angeles Times

One almost expected him to pull back a curtain to display a surprise guest.

From Salon

Related Words

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