draw in (one's) 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.

See also: draw, horn

draw (or pull) in your horns

become less assertive or ambitious; draw back.

The image here is of a snail drawing in its retractile tentacles when disturbed.

1991 Paul Grescoe Flesh Wound Hollywood's major studios were pulling in their horns in the wake of a disastrous Christmas season.

See also: draw, horn

draw/pull in your ˈhorns

start being more careful in your behaviour, especially by spending less money than before: After making huge losses, the company had to draw in its horns by cancelling some major projects.

See also: draw, horn, pull