pull back
B1 neutral both both
In simple words
to go back or stop being so involved
Literal meaning: Literally, to pull something toward the back.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
to move backward or away from something
"He pulled back from the edge when he saw how steep it was."
Grammar: both
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to stop being involved in something as much as before
"Several investors pulled back after the scandal broke."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to make soldiers, forces, or resources retreat to a safer position
"The army pulled back before nightfall."
Grammar: both
4 B1 neutral
to open something by drawing it backward, such as curtains or covers
"She pulled back the curtains and let the sun in."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in news, war, business, investing, and everyday movement. Also common in the phrase 'pull back from'.
Commonly used with
troops investment from the deal car curtains spending
Forms
Base
pull back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls back
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled back
yesterday
Past participle
pulled back
have + pp
-ing form
pulling back
continuous
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Synonyms
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