Swallow and pull back quietly (4)
I believe the answer is:
gulp
'swallow' is the definition.
(I know that gulp is a type of swallow)
'pull back quietly' is the wordplay.
'pull' becomes 'lug' (I've seen this in another clue).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (musical symbol).
'lug' back-to-front is 'gul'.
'gul'+'p'='GULP'
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for gulp that I've seen before include "Swallow in large mouthfuls" , "Audible swallow" , "Noise made when swallowing too quickly" , "Swallow quickly" , "Swallow hurriedly" .)