walked back
Withdrew a statement
Walked back means to retreat from a previous statement, position, or commitment.
Politicians walk back controversial remarks; companies walk back unpopular policies.
The image is of retracing one's steps—backing away from ground you'd claimed: After the backlash, the senator walked back her comments on immigration.
The phrase implies the original position was a misstep.
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- withdrewPulled out or back
- recededMoved gradually away
- returnedWent back again
- clarifiedMade understandable
corrected · restated · recalibrated · reversed · revised · rectified · reconsidered · course correction · drove · amended · apologized · ate crow · public apology · backpedaled · renegotiated · adjusted · mitigated · damage control
walked backdoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
dug in · reaffirmed · defended · stood by · stuck to
walked backconfirmed
Established as accurate
verified · validated · corroborated · stood by · owned
walked backdoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
escalated · amplified · intensified · ramped up · turned up the heat
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