backpedalled
Took it back
Backpedalled is the past tense of backpedal, meaning to reverse course on a position or statement: The senator backpedalled on her earlier comments after the backlash.
The literal sense—pedalling backward on a bicycle—is less common than the figurative retreat.
Also spelled backpedaled.
Formally withdraw a statement
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- disavowDeny any association
- renounceFormally give up
- rescindFormally cancel or withdraw
revoke · unsay · disclaim · repudiate · reverse · contradict · disown · backtrack
Gridded breakfast cake
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- equivocateSpeak vaguely to mislead
- vacillateWaver between choices
waver · delay · pause · stammer · hem and haw · dodge · sidestep · deflect
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- give groundRetreat from a position
yield · retreat · recede · reverse course · concede · capitulate · lose ground
recant
Formally withdraw a statement
rescind · revoke · unsay · disclaim · repudiate · reverse · contradict · disown · backtrack · climb down
waffle
Gridded breakfast cake
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- equivocateSpeak vaguely to mislead
vacillate · waver · delay · pause · stammer · hem and haw · dodge · sidestep · deflect · evade
withdraw
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
give ground · yield · retreat · recede · reverse course · concede · capitulate · lose ground
backpedalleddoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
dug in · maintained · persisted · reaffirmed · stood one's ground
backpedalledadvanced
Far along in development
forged ahead · pushed forward · pushed on · proceeded · progressed