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To pull in one's horns

Posted by James Briggs on May 26, 2005

In Reply to: To pull in one's horns posted by David FG on May 25, 2005

: : Another origin that I've been asked for, but can't give - this is getting to be habit!
: : ORIGIN of the phrase, 'to pull one's horns in'.
: : Any ideas?

:
: I believe the reference is to snails, which when threatened 'draw in' their eyestalks (horns) in order to protect them.

: DFG

Thanks for the help. I'd looked in Brewer, and that's what it says too, but I thought it a little too simplistic. However, it seems to be true. Thanks again.

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