pull back

To move away from danger or stop being so involved in something.

• The soldiers pulled back.
• Investors are pulling back from risky deals.
• She pulled back when the argument became personal.

How to use it: pull back from something (The troops pulled back from the border.); pull someone/something back (The commander pulled his troops back.)

Similar words: retreat, withdraw

Opposites: advance

Common phrases: pull back troops, pull back from

To move something backward or toward yourself by holding it and using force.

• Pull back the curtain.
• He pulled his hand back from the hot pan.
• She pulled her hair back and tied it.

How to use it: pull something back (She pulled the curtain back to see outside.)

Similar words: draw back

Opposites: push forward

Common phrases: pull back something, pull back curtains

To score while losing, making the difference between the teams’ scores smaller.

• We pulled a goal back.
• The visitors pulled two goals back in the second half.
• Can United pull one back before the final whistle?

How to use it: pull a goal back (They pulled a goal back just before halftime.)

Similar words: reduce the deficit

Common phrases: pull back one, pull back two

To pass the ball backward to a teammate, away from the goal you are attacking.

• Pull the ball back to me.
• She pulled it back for a teammate to shoot.
• The winger pulls back a low pass from near the goal line.

How to use it: pull the ball back to someone (The winger pulled the ball back to the striker.)

Similar words: cut back, pass backward

Common phrases: pull back something, pull back passes