Examples

打退敌人的冲锋

beat back the enemy assault → 冲锋

打退敌人的进攻

repulse an enemy attack → 打退

不能遇到点困难就打退堂鼓呀。

You can't give up the moment you run up against difficulty. → 打退堂鼓

你既然答应了，就别打退堂鼓。

You've given your word; don't try to back out. → 打退堂鼓

战士们扼守住山口，打退了敌人的进犯。

The soldiers held the mountain pass and beat back the intruders. → 扼守

你不能在关键时候打退堂鼓呀！

You can't shrink back at this essential moment! → 退堂鼓