shrink back

• Reculer ou se retirer de quelque chose, surtout par peur, surprise ou gêne ; se recroqueviller ou tressaillir.

To move away or draw back from something, especially out of fear, surprise, or discomfort; to recoil or flinch.

1. Move away in fearB2formal

   To move backwards or away from something because of fear, disgust, or shock.

   reculer de peur

   • She shrank back from the edge of the cliff.
   • He shrank back in horror at the sight of the spider.
   • The child shrank back when the dog barked loudly.

2. Avoid or withdrawB2formal

   To avoid doing something because it is unpleasant or frightening.

   reculer devant

   • He shrank back from the responsibility of leading the team.
   • She shrank back from making a difficult decision.
   • They shrank back from confronting the issue directly.