rearing back
Rising up defensively
Rearing back describes pulling the upper body backward, often in preparation for forceful forward motion.
A pitcher rears back before throwing a fastball; a horse rears back on its hind legs.
The phrase suggests gathering power or recoiling: She reared back and slapped him across the face.
It can also indicate surprise or disgust: He reared back when he saw the snake.
- flinchingInvoluntary recoil response
- buckingJumping to unseat rider
- wild horseFeral, undomesticated equine
- archingBending in a curve
- reboundReturn after deflection
recoil · bracing · withdrawing · crouching · winding up · jolt · equestrian · retreating · shrinking · startle · fight or flight · leaning · resisting · hesitating · tensing · pulling · pulling away · lunging
rearing backleaning forward
Tilted toward the front
hunkering down · stooping · bowing · ducking · lowering
rearing backcharging
Restoring electrical power
advancing · pushing in · moving in · closing in · engaging
rear, rears, reared, rearing, back, backs, backed, backing, backer