drew back

VERB

retract from position

Synonyms

WEAK

deduct discount pull back recede recoil reel in retreat sheathe shrink start back subtract take away withdraw

Antonyms

WEAK

forge go forward start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr Baldwin has maintained he did not pull the trigger of the Colt .45 pistol and only drew back its hammer.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2024

As Edward James Olmos weaved his way along the sidewalk past Warner Bros. studios on Friday morning, he drew back pats, handshakes, shrieks of pleasure and smiles of recognition every few feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2023

In January, Russian Football Union president Alexander Dyukov drew back from a December threat to join the AFC after meeting with European football officials.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

At Twitter, Mr. Musk drew back the curtain on what the company’s executives did in 2020 by linking to a lengthy Twitter thread by independent journalist Matt Taibbi.

From Washington Times • Dec. 4, 2022

Somkit drew back the curtain of one of the cubby rooms.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat