reel back

reel back (from something)

1. To stagger, fall back, or be thrown off balance (from some physical blow or impact). She reeled back from the uppercut her opponent delivered. I reeled back after knocking my head into top of the doorframe.2. To be shocked, bemused, or unable to think clearly (due to an intense emotional reaction to something). I reeled back from the news that my younger brother had died. We all reeled back after hearing that we'd been selected to participate in the tournament.See also: back, reel

reel back (from something)

to fall or stagger backwards, as from a blow. The boxer reeled back from the blow, stunned. Another blow to the midsection and he reeled back and fell.See also: back, reel