backpedal

[US]/ˈbækˌpɛdəl/
[UK]/ˈbækˌpɛdəl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vto reverse or slow down a movement, especially when you are in danger or have made a mistake; to change your opinion or decision, often because you feel pressured
Word Forms
Present Participlebackpedalling
Past Participlebackpedalled
Past Tensebackpedalled
Third Person Singularbackpedals
Pluralbackpedals

Phrases & Collocations

backpedal under pressure

forced to backpedal

start to backpedal

reluctant to backpedal

backpedal gracefully

backpedal publicly

attempt to backpedal

continue to backpedal

Example Sentences

he had to backpedal on his earlier statements.

after the backlash, she decided to backpedal on her proposal.

politicians often backpedal when faced with public scrutiny.

he tried to backpedal from his commitment to the project.

she had to backpedal after realizing her mistake.

the company decided to backpedal on its pricing strategy.

he quickly backpedaled when confronted with evidence.

they had to backpedal on their initial plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

it's common for leaders to backpedal during a crisis.

he backpedaled on his promises, disappointing many supporters.

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