1 B1 neutral
to move backward or away from something
"He pulled back from the edge when he saw how steep it was."
both
pull back
B1 neutral both transitive/intransitive
to move back, retreat, or reduce involvement
In plain English
to go back or stop being so involved
What does "pull back" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to stop being involved in something as much as before
"Several investors pulled back after the scandal broke."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to make soldiers, forces, or resources retreat to a safer position
"The army pulled back before nightfall."
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to pull something toward the back.
Actually means
to go back or stop being so involved
Usage tip
Very common in news, war, business, investing, and everyday movement. Also common in the phrase 'pull back from'.
Words that pair with "pull back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
troops investment from the deal car curtains spending
How to conjugate "pull back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "pull back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pull back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pull back"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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