pull back

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Explanation of "Pull Back"

Definition: "Pull back" is a phrasal verb that means to move away from something or to retreat from a position or commitment. It can also refer to physically moving something towards the back or away from a certain point.

Usage Instructions:

• "Pull back" can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
• When using it figuratively, it often relates to withdrawing from an agreement, commitment, or a previously stated intention.
• In a literal sense, it can refer to physically moving something or someone backward.

Examples:

• Literal: "The archer had to pull back the bowstring before shooting the arrow."
• Figurative: "After considering the risks, they decided to pull back from their investment in the project."

Advanced Usage:

• In a business context, "pulling back" can mean reducing involvement or investment in a project due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Example: "The company pulled back from the merger when they discovered potential legal issues."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants for "pull back," but it can be used in different tenses:
  • Present: pull back
  • Past: pulled back
  • Gerund: pulling back

Different Meanings:

1. Retreat: To withdraw from a commitment or position.

   • Example: "The team decided to pull back after realizing they couldn't meet the deadline."

2. Physical Movement: To move something to a rear position.

   • Example: "Please pull back your chair to make space for others."

3. Surgical Context: To hold open the edges of a wound.

   • Example: "The surgeon had to pull back the tissue to access the area."

Synonyms:

• Withdraw
• Retreat
• Back off
• Recede

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Back out: To withdraw from a commitment or agreement.

  • Example: "He backed out of the deal at the last minute."

• Pull away: To move away from something or someone.

  • Example: "The car pulled away from the curb."

• Crawfish out: A more informal way to describe backing out or retreating from a commitment, often used in a casual context.

  • Example: "He tried to crawfish out of going to the meeting."

Conclusion:

"Pull back" is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, both physically and metaphorically.

Academic

Verb

1. make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity
   • We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him
   • He backed out of his earlier promise
   • The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns
2. stretch back a bowstring (on an archer's bow)
   • The archers were drawing their bows
3. move to a rearward position; pull towards the back
   • Pull back your arms!
4. use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
5. pull back or move away or backward
   • The enemy withdrew
   • The limo pulled away from the curb

Synonyms

• retreat
• back out
• back away
• crawfish
• crawfish out
• pull in one's horns
• withdraw
• draw
• retract
• draw back
• pull away
• recede
• retire
• move back