backpedals
Takes it back
Backpedals has both literal and figurative meanings rooted in the idea of moving backward.
On a bicycle, you backpedal by pushing the pedals in reverse, often to brake.
In boxing or sports, to backpedal is to step backward quickly while facing an opponent.
The figurative sense is more common: to backpedal is to retreat from a position or statement, usually under pressure.
The senator backpedaled on her earlier comments after the backlash.
Formally withdraw a statement
- retractWithdraw something said
- disavowDeny any association
- renounceFormally give up
- repudiateReject as having no authority
recantation · disavowal · denial · reversal · revocation · contradiction · disclaimer · about-face
Sudden change of position
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- about-faceFull directional reversal
- change of heartReversal of opinion
- pivotPoint of rotation
shift · rethink · reconsider · revise · overturn · reverse course · turnaround · volte-face
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- yieldProduce or relinquish
give ground · reverse · recoil · distance · hedge · equivocate · waver · hesitate
Rhythmic pulse or pattern
- cyclistOne who pedals
- bicyclePedal-powered two-wheeler
- fixed-gearDirect-drive bicycle drivetrain
- coaster brakeBackpedal-activated stopping system
recant
Formally withdraw a statement
repudiate · recantation · disavowal · denial · reversal · revocation · contradiction · disclaimer · about-face · climb-down
flip-flop
Sudden change of position
- u-turn180-degree driving reversal
- about-faceFull directional reversal
- change of heartReversal of opinion
pivot · shift · rethink · reconsider · revise · overturn · reverse course · turnaround · volte-face · switchback
withdraw
Remove or pull away
- disengageBreak free from attachment
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
yield · give ground · reverse · recoil · distance · hedge · equivocate · waver · hesitate
cadence
Rhythmic pulse or pattern
- cyclistOne who pedals
- bicyclePedal-powered two-wheeler
- fixed-gearDirect-drive bicycle drivetrain
- agility drillsagility ladder, agility drills, cone drills, ladder drill, ladder drills
- warm-upsjumping jacks, leg swings, arm circles, hip circles, arm swings
- HIIT ExercisesHIIT, Tabata, interval training, burpees, box jumps
backpedalsholds fast
doubles down · stands one's ground · digs in · reaffirms · maintains
backpedalspedals
Foot-operated levers
advances · escalates · intensifies · presses on · forges ahead
backpedalsadvances
Forward movements or progress
moves forward · forges ahead · presses on · proceeds · progresses
backpedal, backpedaling, backpedaled, backpedalled, backpedalling