rears back
Draws sharply backward
To rear back is to pull the head and upper body sharply backward, often in surprise, disgust, or preparation for forceful action.
A horse rears back on its hind legs when startled.
A pitcher rears back before throwing a fastball.
A person rears back in shock: She reared back when she saw the spider.
The phrase suggests a sudden, emphatic physical withdrawal.
- pull awayIncrease your lead
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- tense upBecome rigid from stress
- coil upForm into loops
- archCurved spanning structure
lean · shy away · brace · wind up · startle · withdraw · gather strength · shrink · balk · steel oneself · cringe · flinch · jerk · cower · prepare · spring into action · throw a punch · wince