backpaddled
Went in reverse
Backpaddled is the past tense of backpaddle, meaning to paddle backward in a canoe, kayak, or similar watercraft—reversing direction or slowing down.
Figuratively, to backpaddle is to retreat from a position or statement: When pressed on the details, she backpaddled quickly.
The figurative sense overlaps with backpedal.
Flipped to opposite orientation
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- recantedWithdrew a stated belief
- backtrackedReversed one's path
- withdrewPulled out or back
disavowed · retracted · reconsider · U-turn · flip-flop · disclaimer · correction · about-face
reversed
Flipped to opposite orientation
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- recantedWithdrew a stated belief
- backtrackedReversed one's path
withdrew · disavowed · retracted · reconsider · U-turn · flip-flop · disclaimer · correction · about-face · concession
canoe
Slender paddled vessel
current · maneuver · stern · bow · rapids · river · whitewater · eddy · drift · oar
backpaddleddoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
dug in · reaffirmed · committed · persisted · maintained