pull in one's horns

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./

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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