pull in one's horns

In reference to the behaviour of a snail when it is threatened.

• "Barry . . . stood, during this tirade, half stupefied with rage, and half frightened, at the open attack made on him. . . . However, he couldn't pull in his horns now, and he was obliged, in self-defence, to brazen it out."
• ""I see Cooky's finish," I heard Smoke say to Horner. "You bet," was the reply. "Hump runs the galley from now on, and Cooky pulls in his horns.""
• "Anyone else would have pulled in his horns and gone slow for a spell, but he's one of those fellows whose horse is always going to win the next race."
• "Editor & Publisher Edwin Palmer Hoyt decided to pull in his horns. Said Hoyt: "We've decided it is time to pause, recapitulate and prepare to recommence.""
• ""Smaller hardware stores in the area were scared," he said. "They stopped making investments. They pulled in their horns.""

• calm down
• chill
• chill out
• cool off
• cool one's jets
• hold one's horses
• settle down