draw in horns and pull in horns

draw in (one's) horns

To act more cautiously than one did before. I just got this quarter's budget report, and we definitely need to draw in our horns and spend less going forward. I know you love riding your motorcycle, but you're a father now—it's time to draw in your horns. I've definitely drawn in my horns at work now that I know the boss thinks I distract my co-workers too much.

See also: draw, horn

pull in (one's) horns

To begin to act more cautiously. I just got this quarter's budget report, and we definitely need to pull in our horns and spend less going forward.

See also: horn, pull

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

draw in one's horns and pull in one's horns

Fig. to back down from a fight. For a minute it looked like they were gonna start sluggin' each other, but then they drew in their horns. We tried to calm him down and get him to pull in his horns.

See also: and, draw, horn, pull

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.