Reel back Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɹiɫ/ /ˈbæk

REEL bak

UK

ɹˈiːl/ /bˈæk

REEL bak

Definition

To move or step suddenly backward, usually as a reaction to surprise, shock, or fear.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal and often used to describe a physical or strong emotional reaction (e.g., in stories: 'She reeled back in horror'). More vivid than simply 'step back'; can also describe internal shock, not just movement.

• Spanish: echarse para atrás - retroceder (sorpresa/impacto)
• Portuguese (BR): recuar de surpresa - dar um passo atrás
• Portuguese (PT): recuar de surpresa - dar um passo atrás
• Chinese (Simplified): 猛然后退 - 向后退缩
• Chinese (Traditional): 猛然後退 - 向後退縮
• Hindi: अचानक पीछे हटना
• Arabic: يتراجع فجأة - يعود إلى الوراء (بسبب صدمة أو مفاجأة)
• Bengali: পিছিয়ে যাওয়া (হঠাৎ করে বিস্ময়ে)
• Russian: отшатнуться - отступать назад (от удивления или шока)
• Japanese: 仰け反る - 後ずさる
• Vietnamese: lùi lại (bất ngờ)
• Korean: 뒤로 물러나다 (놀람/충격)
• Turkish: geri çekilmek (şaşkınlıkla)
• Urdu: اچانک پیچھے ہٹنا
• Indonesian: mundur ke belakang (karena terkejut/terpukul)

Example Sentences

She reeled back when the dog suddenly barked.

basic

He reeled back in shock after hearing the news.

basic

The child reeled back from the hot stove.

basic

I reeled back when I saw the price on that shirt!

natural

He reeled back, unable to believe what he was seeing.

natural

The crowd reeled back as the fireworks exploded overhead.

natural