bite back

[phrasal verb] informal

: to attack or criticize someone who has attacked or criticized you反击；反驳；驳斥

Weary of her rival's accusations, the candidate bit back [=hit back, fought back] with an aggressive ad campaign.厌烦了对手的指责，这个候选人以颇具攻击性的广告宣传活动进行了反击。

— often + at

bite back (something) or bite (something) back : to stop yourself from saying (something)把（话）咽回去；忍住不说

I attempted to smile sweetly while biting back angry comments.我努力笑得甜美些，忍住不说气话。

⇒ Main Entry: ¹ bite

phrasal verb

bit back; bitten back also bit back; biting back; bites back

informal

: to attack or criticize someone after being attacked or criticized by them

Weary of her rival's accusations, the candidate bit back with an aggressive ad campaign.

—often + at

She bit back at her rival with an aggressive ad campaign.

: to stop oneself from saying (something)

I attempted to smile sweetly while biting back angry comments.