walk back
Take it back
Walk back means to retreat from a previous statement or position, usually under pressure.
Politicians walk back controversial remarks; companies walk back unpopular policies.
The image is of literally retracing your steps—returning to where you were before you went too far.
The senator tried to walk back her comments about the legislation.
Withdraw something said
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- rescindFormally cancel or withdraw
- revokeOfficially cancel authorization
- reverseTurn to opposite
backtrack · backpedal · recant · unsay · disavow · renounce · repudiate · climb down
Acknowledge a fault
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- regretSorrow over past actions
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
- admissionEntry or confession
acknowledge · concede · contrition · reconciliation · make amends · eat crow · humble pie · remorse
Expressed claim or fact
- positionLocation or stance
- commentsSpoken or written reactions
- remarksSpoken comments or notes
- policyAdopted principle of action
claim · promise · pledge · commitment · gaffe · assertion · announcement · spokesperson
retract
Withdraw something said
reverse · backtrack · backpedal · recant · unsay · disavow · renounce · repudiate · climb down · retreat
apologize
Acknowledge a fault
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- regretSorrow over past actions
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
admission · acknowledge · concede · contrition · reconciliation · make amends · eat crow · humble pie · remorse · take responsibility
statement
Expressed claim or fact
policy · claim · promise · pledge · commitment · gaffe · assertion · announcement · spokesperson · press secretary
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
- campaign jargonstump speech, talking points, sound bites, soundbite, soundbites
- media spinspin doctor, media spin, talking points, framing, reframing
walk backdouble down
Strengthen one's stance
stand by · dig in · reaffirm · stand firm · reiterate
walk backdouble down
Strengthen one's stance
deny · deflect · brazen out · stonewall · stand pat
walk backpush forward
Proceed with determination
advance · press on · forge ahead · extend
walk, back, walks, walked, walking, walker, walkers, walkable, walkway