{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To reduce your boasts; calm down from a quarrel; back down on a promise. * /He said he could beat any man there single-handed, but he pulled in his horns when Jack came forward./ 2. To cut back from one's usual way of living; reduce spending or activities; save. * /After the business failed, Father had to pull in his horns./ * /As one advances in years, it is prudent to pull in one's horns more and more as to physical activity./
See: PULL IN ONE'S HORNS.