To pull in one's horns

Posted by David FG on May 25, 2005

In Reply to: To pull in one's horns posted by James Briggs 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

• To pull in one's horns James Briggs 26/May/05