backpedaling
Taking it back
Backpedaling is moving backward while facing forward, literally by pedaling a bicycle in reverse or by taking steps backward.
The word is far more common in its figurative sense: retreating from a position, commitment, or statement one has previously made.
Politicians backpedal when their remarks prove unpopular; companies backpedal on policies that generate backlash.
After the public outcry, the mayor started backpedaling on her proposed budget cuts.
The spelling backpedalling is preferred in British English.
Formal withdrawal of statement
- about-faceFull directional reversal
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- flip-flopSudden change of position
- walkbackReversal of stated position
climb-down · reversal · backtrack · recantation · disavowal · reconsideration · rethink · revision
retraction
Formal withdrawal of statement
- about-faceFull directional reversal
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- flip-flopSudden change of position
walkback · climb-down · reversal · backtrack · recantation · disavowal · reconsideration · rethink · revision · amendment
braking
Reducing speed deliberately
slowing · cadence · bicycle · deceleration · dismount
- leg movementswalking, running, jogging, stepping, kicking
- agility drillsagility ladder, agility drills, cone drills, ladder drill, ladder drills
- agility trainingagility drills, ladder drills, cone drills, footwork, balance training
- deceptionlie, lies, lying, fake, fraud
- awkward momentsoops, cringe, embarrassment, yikes, awkward
- betrayalbackstab, betray, betrayal, traitor, backstabber
backpedalingdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
digging in · reaffirming · standing one's ground · committing · persisting
backpedalingmoving forward
Continuing toward a goal
advancing · going forward · accelerating · pushing ahead · sprinting
backpedalingescalating
Increasing by degrees
attacking · leaning in · amplifying · confronting · asserting
pedal, backpedal, pedaling, pedaled, pedaler, backpedaled, backpedals, backpedalled, backpedalling