bite back
The phrase "bite back" has dual meanings, often used to describe either retaliation or self-restraint.
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Definition
B2Interpersonal
(informal)To retaliate or respond aggressively to someone who has attacked or criticized you.
Example
- After being insulted, he bit back with a sharp retort.
- She bit back at her critics during the interview.
B2Emotional
(informal)To suppress or control a comment, emotion, or reaction.
Example
- He bit back his anger to avoid escalating the argument.
- She bit back a sarcastic remark during the meeting.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bite back":
bite downbite inbite offfight backbite the bulletbit between one's teethbite the curbcome up and bitebite stickbite the big onehold backgrit one's teethbite my assbite the biscuitrear backbite mehit backchew offbite one's nailskeep backtake a bitechomp down onbare one's teethstrike backhold one's jawswallow one's wordstake a bite out ofsink one's teeth intobiting pointchew ontalk backpush backbite on granitedraw back