1For part of an object to become recessed or sunken — pulled or pressed inward.
ボールが当たって、車のドアが少し引っ込んだ。
The car door got dented (pushed in) a little when the ball hit it.
空気を抜くと、浮き輪はすぐに引っ込んでしまう。
Once the air is let out, the float quickly deflates and shrinks in.
痛みがひどく、腫れた部分がなかなか引っ込まない。
The pain is bad, and the swollen part won't go down easily.
2For a building etc. to be positioned set back from the road or surrounding lots.
その家は道路から少し引っ込んだところに建っている。
That house is built a bit set back from the road.
店の看板は引っ込んだ位置にあるので、通りからは見えにくい。
The shop's sign is in a recessed spot, so it's hard to see from the street.
3To withdraw from public view and stay at home; also used to mean staying out of an argument or matter.
スキャンダルの後、彼はしばらく表舞台から引っ込んだ。
After the scandal, he withdrew from the public stage for a while.
子供のけんかに大人はいちいち引っ込んでいた方がいい。
It's better for adults to stay out of kids' quarrels.
「お前は引っ込んでろ」と兄に言われた。
My older brother told me, "Butt out."