bite back
idiom/baɪt bæk/
🔊 listen
Bite back has two related senses: to respond sharply to an attack or criticism (to retaliate), or to stop yourself from saying something — to 'bite back' a remark. Context tells you whether someone is hitting back or holding back.
📖 Meanings
1to respond sharply or retaliate
"When they criticized her, she bit back hard." — When they criticized her, she hit back firmly.
2to hold back something you were about to say
"He bit back an angry reply." — He stopped himself from giving an angry reply.
🔄 Related phrases
💬 Common patterns
bite backbite back at someonebite back a remark
❓ How do you say someone responded sharply to criticism?