backpedalling
Walking back statements
Backpedalling is reversing course—literally pedalling backward on a bicycle, or figuratively retreating from a position or statement.
Politicians backpedal when their remarks prove unpopular: After the backlash, she started backpedalling on her earlier comments.
The spelling with double L is British; American English prefers backpedaling.
Withdraw something said
- recantFormally withdraw a statement
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- flip-flopSudden change of position
- about-faceFull directional reversal
walkback · backtrack · withdrawal · reversal · climbdown · retraction · recantation · disavowal
Remove or pull away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- pullbackWithdrawal or reduction
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- disengageBreak free from attachment
retreat · evacuation · pullout · defensive · regroup · tactical · strategic · yielding
Careful attention to risk
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- equivocateSpeak vaguely to mislead
- delayEnforced waiting period
hesitation · wavering · tentativeness · evasion · dodge · deflect · qualify · backoff
retract
Withdraw something said
- recantFormally withdraw a statement
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- flip-flopSudden change of position
about-face · walkback · backtrack · withdrawal · reversal · climbdown · retraction · recantation · disavowal · repudiation
withdraw
Remove or pull away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- pullbackWithdrawal or reduction
- recoilBackward force from discharge
disengage · retreat · evacuation · pullout · defensive · regroup · tactical · strategic · yielding · surrender
caution
Careful attention to risk
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- equivocateSpeak vaguely to mislead
delay · hesitation · wavering · tentativeness · evasion · dodge · deflect · qualify · backoff · temporize
cadence
Rhythmic pulse or pattern
- derailleurBike gear changer
- freewheelMove without propulsion
- cranksetPedal-to-chain transfer component
sprocket · chainring · cyclist · bicycle · peloton · velodrome · brakeless · gearshift · downshift · cassette
backpedallingdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
digging in · standing one's ground · persisting · unwavering · resolute
backpedallingadvancing
Moving in forward direction
forging ahead · pushing forward · pressing on · moving forward · progressing
backpedallingdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
escalating · reinforcing · amplifying · leaning in · going all in
pedal, pedestrian, pedestal, backpedal, pedaled, pedicure, pedalling, pedalers, backpedaling