walking back
Retracting a statement
Walking back means retreating from a previous statement or position, usually under pressure or after realizing it was problematic.
Politicians walk back controversial remarks; companies walk back unpopular policies.
The image is of someone who has stepped forward too boldly now backing up: The senator spent the weekend walking back her comments about the investigation.
The retreat is often partial or awkward rather than a full admission of error.
- retracingFollowing a route again
- reversalComplete change of direction
- backpedalingReversing one's position
- returnGo back again
- renouncingFormally abandoning a claim
disavowing · adjustment · clarification · damage control · spin doctoring · climb-down · retreat · apology · amendment · reconsideration · softening · turning around · withdrawing · pivoting · qualifying · flip-flop · about-face · course correction
- campaign jargonstump speech, talking points, sound bites, soundbite, soundbites
- correctionscorrection, corrections, fix, fixing, rectification
- atonementpropitiation, substitution, reconciler, forgiveness, sin offering
walking backdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
digging in · reaffirming · reinforcing · insisting · maintaining
walking backpushing ahead
advancing · forging ahead · moving forward · proceeding · progressing
walking backadvancing
Moving in forward direction
proceeding · moving ahead · pressing on · pushing forward · going forward
walk, walking, walked, walks, walker, walkers, walkable, walkway, walkways