withdraw into (something)

withdraw into (something)

1. To retreat, retract, or shrink back into something or some place. The clam withdraws into its shell when it senses a threat. The soldiers withdrew into the jungle after their assault on the enemy camp. This kind of spider withdraws into its burrow and waits for prey to pass by.
2. To pull or retract something back into something or some place. I withdrew my hands into the sleeves of my sweatshirt to keep them warm. Cats are able to retract their claws into their toe pads.
See also: withdraw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

withdraw something into something

to pull something back into something. The turtle withdrew its head into its shell. It then withdrew its feet into the shell also.
See also: withdraw

withdraw into something

to pull back into something. The turtle withdrew into its shell. The mouse withdrew into its hole.
See also: withdraw
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • withdraw from
  • withdraw from (something)
  • withdrawn
  • close as a clam
  • recede
  • recede from
  • recede from (someone or something)
  • quail
  • quail at
  • quail at (something)