back-pedal

[bak-ped-l]

verb (used without object)

back-pedaled, back-pedaling , back-pedalled, back-pedalling .

1. to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, especially of a bicycle with coaster brakes.

2. to retreat from or reverse one's previous stand on any matter; shift ground.

   to back-pedal after severe criticism.

3. Boxing.,  to retreat from an opponent, especially by stepping rapidly backward.

back-pedal

verb

1. to turn the pedals of a bicycle backwards

2. to retract or modify a previous opinion, principle, etc

3. boxing to take backward steps

Word History and Origins

Origin of back-pedal¹

First recorded in 1895–1900