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 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

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