back-paddle
Americanverb (used without object)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Halting safely just below the rapids at Little Falls, we did a quick back-paddle turn, and rode the current downstream with ease.
From New York Times ● Aug. 17, 2019
Steadily and rhythmically, but with his utmost force, he back-paddled with both hands and feet, till the progress of his log was almost stopped.
From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir
The marshal back-paddled and struggled, but he had to follow his chin.
From Jim Waring of Sonora-Town Tang of Life by Knibbs, Henry Herbert
You wouldn't want some tourist back-paddling you at your home break, would you?
From Time Magazine Archive
They dominate the main point at Arugam Bay, back-paddling, crowding, snaking, and yelling at each other.
From Time Magazine Archive
Once past, Henderson fell to back-paddling again––not so violently now––till other logs came by within his reach and he could work himself into temporary safety behind them.
From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir
Feeling himself on the point of utter exhaustion, he nevertheless continued back-paddling, and steering and working inward, till he had succeeded in getting three files of logs between himself and the outer edge.
From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
