climb-down

American  

[klahym-doun] / ˈklaɪmˌdaʊn /

noun

1. a retreat, as from an indefensible opinion or position.

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climb down British  

verb

1. to descend

2. (often foll by from) to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc)

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noun

1. a retreat from an opinion, etc

Etymology

Origin of climb-down

First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase climb down

Example Sentences

What he didn’t mention, though, was that China’s retaliation against the U.S. with triple-digit tariffs eventually led Washington to a climb-down as markets revolted.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Privately, though, they said that was exactly the reason for the climb-down, and Trump himself conceded that markets were getting a little too “yippy” for his taste.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2025

"I think that is the cover to call it off ... a fig leaf to make it look like it is not a climb-down," he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 23, 2021

Now running for attorney general, Mr. Griffin, an Army Reserve colonel, sought to put the best face on his climb-down.

From New York Times • May 24, 2021

He was feeling better disposed towards Adair and Sedleigh than he had felt, but he was not sure that he was quite prepared to go as far as a complete climb-down.

From Mike by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

Related Words

• disembark
• get off