back-pedal

American  

[bak-ped-l] / ˈbækˌpɛd 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.

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back-pedal British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of back-pedal

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Like a standup comedian who realizes he has gone too far, he was forced to back-pedal: “No, no. Don’t worry, nobody accepted it. But I tried like hell, I’ll tell you.”

From The Guardian • May 17, 2019

Carrey isn’t the first actor to back-pedal on a project—but he’s still bringing something new into the mix.

From Time • Jun. 25, 2013

After jokingly offering to marry Owens if she moved from Kentucky to Illinois, Lincoln tried to back-pedal when she appeared genuinely interested.

From Slate • Nov. 17, 2012

He also continued to back-pedal from his comments last Sunday about "legitimate rape", accepting that the views he expressed were "medically wrong".

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2012

To back-pedal is to press on the pedal when it is coming up instead of when it is going down.

From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Greville, Beatrice Violet Graham