pull in one's horns

Meanings:

• 1.

  British EnglishInternationalinformalfigurative
  • To adopt a more cautious, modest, or restrained attitude; to stop being aggressive or outspoken.
  • To curtail one's demands, ambitions, or public behaviour in response to criticism, pressure, or changing circumstances.

• 2.

  British EnglishInternationalinformal
  • To reduce activity, spending, or effort; to scale back operations or plans.