to pull back

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   to move something or someone backward, often by pulling

   Grammar: Can take an object: pull back the curtains. Can also be intransitive: the car pulled back.

   Patterns

   • pull something back
   • pull back from something

   She pulled back the curtains to let in the light.

   He pulled his hand back from the hot stove.

   The dog pulled back when it saw the snake.

2. 2verbintransitive

   to retreat or withdraw, especially from a place or situation

   Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from': pull back from the border.

   Patterns

   • pull back from something
   • pull back to a place

   The troops were ordered to pull back from the front line.

   The company pulled back from the deal at the last minute.

   Investors pulled back as the market became unstable.

Word forms

Common combinations

pull back the curtain

He pulled back the curtain to see who was outside.

pull back troops

The general decided to pull back troops from the area.

pull back from the brink

The two countries pulled back from the brink of war.

pull back on spending

Consumers are pulling back on spending due to inflation.

Synonyms and how they differ

withdraw

More formal and often used in military or official contexts; 'pull back' is more informal and physical.

retreat

Specifically means to move away from danger or an enemy; 'pull back' can be used more broadly.

recoil

Means to move back suddenly in fear or disgust; 'pull back' is more deliberate.

Opposites

Commonly confused: to pull back or pull out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “to pull back”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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