1 B2 neutral
To respond sharply or aggressively to an attack, criticism, or accusation.
"When the journalist questioned her integrity, the senator bit back with a list of her achievements."
inseparable
bite back
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To retaliate sharply against criticism or an attack; or to stop yourself from saying or showing something.
In plain English
To fight back with words, OR to hold back something you were about to say.
What does "bite back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To stop yourself from expressing an emotion or saying something you were about to say.
"She bit back the angry words that were rising in her throat and smiled politely."
“
He bit back the retort that rose to his lips.
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bite in return — as an animal would bite back if attacked.
Actually means
To fight back with words, OR to hold back something you were about to say.
Usage tip
Has two distinct senses: (1) to respond sharply in retaliation, often verbally, and (2) to suppress an emotion, response, or remark. Both senses are common in journalism and everyday speech. Neutral register, suitable in most contexts.
Words that pair with "bite back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tears anger response retort criticism emotion
How to conjugate "bite back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bite back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bites back
he/she/it
Past simple
bited back
yesterday
Past participle
bited back
have + pp
-ing form
biting back
continuous
Hear "bite back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bite back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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