draw in your horns

draw in (one's) horns

To act more cautiously than one did before. I just got this quarter's budget report, and we definitely need to draw in our horns and spend less going forward.
See also: draw, horn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

draw (or pull) in your horns

become less assertive or ambitious; draw back.
The image here is of a snail drawing in its retractile tentacles when disturbed.
1991 Paul Grescoe Flesh Wound Hollywood's major studios were pulling in their horns in the wake of a disastrous Christmas season.
See also: draw, horn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

draw/pull in your ˈhorns

start being more careful in your behaviour, especially by spending less money than before: After making huge losses, the company had to draw in its horns by cancelling some major projects.
See also: draw, horn, pull
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • draw in (one's) horns
  • draw in horns and pull in horns
  • draw/pull in your horns
  • haul in (one's) horns
  • pull in (one's) horns
  • pull in one's horns
  • pull in your horns
  • wear the horns
  • no doubt about it
  • show (one's) horns