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

He later tried to back-pedal, claiming he was misquoted, but the country's human rights body found his comments "hurtful and harmful".

From BBC

At the time, Nigeria also warned that it would not tolerate Ukraine's recruitment drive, forcing it to back-pedal.

From BBC

Mateusz Klich and Bamford shot high over Pickford’s crossbar, Calvert-Lewin dragged a chance wide and, having lived dangerously when he sprayed a clearance straight to Rodríguez, Meslier had to back-pedal to catch the playmaker’s attempted lob.

From The Guardian

Chamblee had to back-pedal like a defensive back on that one throughout the week at Bethpage Black as Koepka stormed to his fourth major title.

From Golf Digest

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