Antonyms for the phrase "bends the throttle" could include terms like reduces speed, slows down, or decelerates. These antonyms may be used in situations where a driver or a pilot needs to decrease speed or lower the throttle to prevent accidents or to comply with speed limits. Other antonyms might include brake or stop, as these actions bring the vehicle to a complete halt. While there are many ways to speak about the opposite of bending the throttle, each of these antonyms implies a decrease in speed, movement or energy, which can be both necessary and beneficial in certain situations.