pull in one's horns

Definitions

To become less impassioned, aggressive, or argumentative; to exercise restraint; to yield or capitulate.

idiomatic

Examples

“Barry . . . stood, during this tirade, half stupefied with rage, and half frightened, at the open⟳ attack made on him. . . . However, he couldn't pull⟳ in his horns now, and he was obliged, in self-defence, to brazen it out.”

“"I see⟳ Cooky's finish⟳," I heard Smoke⟳ say⟳ to Horner. "You bet⟳," was the reply⟳. "Hump runs the galley from now on, and Cooky pulls in his horns."”

“Anyone else would have⟳ pulled in his horns and gone slow for a spell⟳, but he's one of those fellows whose horse is always going to win⟳ the next race⟳.”

“Editor & Publisher Edwin Palmer Hoyt decided to pull⟳ in his horns. Said Hoyt: "We've decided it is time to pause, recapitulate and prepare⟳ to recommence."”

“"Smaller hardware stores in the area were scared," he said. "They stopped making investments. They pulled in their horns."”

CEFR level