backpedaled
Took it back
Backpedaled is the past tense of backpedal.
To backpedal is literally to pedal backward on a bicycle, but the figurative sense dominates: retreating from a position or reversing course on something previously stated.
After the backlash, the company backpedaled on its new policy.
The word suggests reluctant withdrawal under pressure rather than a genuine change of heart.
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- fall backWithdraw from advance
- pull backTo retreat or disengage
- step backCreate distance, literally/figuratively
back away · recoil · shrink back · give ground · yield · back off · draw back · recede
Formally withdraw a statement
- disavowDeny any association
- renounceFormally give up
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- rescindFormally cancel or withdraw
revoke · repudiate · disclaim · walk back · take back · flip-flop · backtrack · unsay
Device to slow motion
- coastLand beside the ocean
- slow downReduce pace or speed
- decelerateReduce velocity
- fixed-gearDirect-drive bicycle drivetrain
withdraw
Remove or pull away
step back · back away · recoil · shrink back · give ground · yield · back off · draw back · recede · distance
recant
Formally withdraw a statement
rescind · revoke · repudiate · disclaim · walk back · take back · flip-flop · backtrack · unsay · climb down
brake
Device to slow motion
- coastLand beside the ocean
- slow downReduce pace or speed
- decelerateReduce velocity
- second thoughtssecond thoughts, reconsideration, rethinking, change of mind, change of heart
- surrenderedsurrendered, capitulated, yielded, conceded, submitted
- nullifiedvoided, annulled, invalidated, nullified, rescinded
backpedaleddoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
stood one's ground · dug in · maintained · persisted · insisted
backpedaledadvanced
Far along in development
forged ahead · progressed · accelerated · proceeded · pressed ahead
backpedal, backpedaling, backpedals, backpedalled, backpedalling