draw back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Move yourself away in hesitation
Why “back”? Back creates distance or reduces progress. The change can affect a place, position, amount, promise, or plan.
“She drew back when she saw the snake.”
“Tom drew back from the hot pan.”
Don't confuse with
Draw back means move yourself away in hesitation. Draw away means move ahead of competitors by extending the lead.
Test yourself
“She drew back when she saw the snake.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
draw away
A contrast learners often mix up
Move ahead of competitors by extending the lead
cut back
Same back pattern: distance
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
die back
Same back pattern: distance
(of a plant) lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
drive back
Same back pattern: distance
Force an attacker to retreat
drop back
Same back pattern: distance
Move to a position further behind
edge back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backward in small cautious steps
fall back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
go back
Same back pattern: distance
Return to a place; (of a friendship or history) date from a particular time; Withdraw from a promise or agreement
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