bite back
phrasal verbPart ofbite
bite back — phrasal verb
1. To stop yourself from saying something or showing a feeling.
1.phrasal verb
Definition
To stop yourself from saying something or showing a feeling.
Example
She bit back a sarcastic reply and stayed quiet.
He bit back his anger and smiled politely.
2. to answer in an angry or sharp way after being attacked, criticised, or treated
2.phrasal verb
Definition
to answer in an angry or sharp way after being attacked, criticised, or treated badly.
Example
When the reporter pressed him, the mayor bit back with a sharp reply about fairness.
Xander usually stays calm, but this time she bit back at her noisy neighbour.