draw back

reculer, avoir un mouvement de recul

Reculer avec son corps, souvent par peur ou par surprise.

En anglais simple : To move your body backward, often because something frightens or surprises you.

• She drew back in surprise.
• He drew back when the dog showed its teeth.
• Why did you draw back as I reached toward you?

Comment l'utiliser : draw back from someone/something (She drew back from the hot stove.)

Synonymes : move back, recoil, shrink back

Expressions courantes : draw back suddenly, draw back from something, draw back in fear

tirer en arrière, écarter

Tirer quelque chose en arrière ou sur le côté, souvent pour l'ouvrir ou découvrir ce qui est caché.

En anglais simple : To pull something backward or to the side, often to open it or uncover something.

• Draw back the curtains, please.
• He drew his hand back from the fire.
• The archer drew back the bow and aimed at the target.

Comment l'utiliser : draw something back (She drew the curtains back to let in the sunlight.)

Synonymes : pull back

Expressions courantes : draw back something, draw back curtains, draw back a bow

se replier, battre en retraite

Quitter sa position pour s'éloigner d'un ennemi ou d'un danger.

En anglais simple : To leave a position and move away from an enemy or danger.

• The soldiers drew back.
• The army drew back to a safer position.
• As the enemy advanced, our forces began to draw back.

Comment l'utiliser : draw back from something (The troops drew back from their exposed position.)

Synonymes : retreat, fall back, pull back

Contraires : advance

Expressions courantes : draw back troops, draw back from something, draw back slowly

se retirer, faire marche arrière

Décider de ne plus participer à un projet, une activité ou un accord.

En anglais simple : To decide not to continue with a plan, activity, or agreement.

• They drew back from the deal.
• She drew back from investing when she saw the risks.
• Several supporters have drawn back from the project.

Comment l'utiliser : draw back from something/doing something (They drew back from signing the agreement.)

Synonymes : withdraw, back out, pull out

Expressions courantes : draw back from something, draw back from negotiations