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Phrase(s): bite back (at someone or something)
1. Lit. to defend an attack by biting at someone or something. (Usually an animal.) • I threatened the dog and the dog bit back. 2. Fig. to fight back at someone; to return someone’s anger or attack; to speak back to someone with anger. • She is usually tolerant, but she will bite back if pressed. • Yes, she will bite back.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs