biting back
Snapping in return
Biting back means suppressing an urge to speak—usually something sharp or emotional: She bit back a retort, He bit back tears.
The image is of physically stopping words before they escape.
To bite back can also mean to retaliate: The team bit back with two quick goals.
- baring teethExposing fangs threateningly
- sharp tongueTendency toward cutting remarks
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
vengeance · protection · indignation · counterattack · revenge · confrontation · backlash · resentment · defiance · standing your ground · outrage · countermeasure · retort · resistance · escalation · frustration · guarding · anger
biting backletting it go
forgiving · forbearing · rising above · suffering in silence · accepting
biting backsoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
complimenting · placating · appeasing · sweet-talking · flattering
biting backbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
yielding · retreating · walking away · disengaging · capitulating
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