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.