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Phrase(s): rear back
1. Lit. [for a horse] to pull back and up onto its hind legs in an effort to move backwards rapidly or throw a rider. (See also rear up.) • The animal reared back in terror. • The horse reared back and almost threw its rider. 2. Fig. [for a person] to pull back and stand up or sit up straighter. • He reared back in his chair and looked perturbed. • Tom reared back in his chair, waiting for something else to happen.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs