draw back
To quickly move away from something scary or surprising, or to pull something back out of the way.
Meanings
To move backward suddenly out of surprise, fear, or discomfort.
"He drew back in shock when the snake appeared on the path in front of him."
To pull something backward or open, especially curtains or a bolt.
"She drew back the curtains to let the morning light into the room."
To decide not to do something you had planned, especially at the last moment.
"The government drew back from implementing the controversial reforms after public protests."
When intransitive, it often describes an instinctive physical or emotional retreat. When transitive (e.g., 'draw back the curtains'), it means to open or pull aside. Also used as a noun: 'drawback' (a disadvantage).
Commonly used with
Forms
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