climbdowns
Backing off positions
Climbdowns are retreats from a stated position, especially public reversals that involve some loss of face.
A politician announces a bold policy, faces backlash, then executes a climbdown.
The word implies reluctant withdrawal rather than graceful concession: After a series of embarrassing climbdowns, the minister resigned.
Chiefly British.
Complete change of direction
- U-turnDirection-reversing driving maneuver
- backtrackReverse one's position
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- concessionYielding a point
capitulation · about-face · walkback · policy shift · compromise · surrender · retraction · volte-face
Complete change of direction
- retractionFormal withdrawal of statement
- backtrackReverse one's position
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- damage controlLimiting further harm
policy change · executive retreat · product recall · rebranding · public apology
Yielding a point
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- yieldingBending under pressure
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- backing offCeasing to pursue
capitulation · settlement · agreement · mediation · deal-making · give-and-take · relenting · acquiescence
reversal
Complete change of direction
- U-turnDirection-reversing driving maneuver
- backtrackReverse one's position
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
concession · capitulation · about-face · walkback · policy shift · compromise · surrender · retraction · volte-face · policy reversal
reversal
Complete change of direction
- retractionFormal withdrawal of statement
- backtrackReverse one's position
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
policy change · damage control · executive retreat · product recall · rebranding · public apology
concession
Yielding a point
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- yieldingBending under pressure
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
backing off · capitulation · settlement · agreement · mediation · deal-making · give-and-take · relenting · acquiescence · surrender
climbdownsdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
intransigence · obstinacy · steadfastness · defiance · inflexibility
climbdownsvictories
Successful outcomes in competition
triumphs · wins · successes · conquests · breakthroughs
climbdownsescalations
Increases in intensity
pushbacks · confrontations · advances · offensives · challenges