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

Arm's return as a public company represents a climb-down from the $64 billion it was valued at last month when SoftBank bought the 25% stake it did not directly own from its Vision Fund unit.

From Reuters

The diaries were found to be fake following inspection of their content and the paper and ink used, prompting an embarrassing climb-down one week after Stern's bombastic announcement of their discovery.

From Reuters

But Friday’s climb-down underscored the stakes of the upcoming 2022 election in Uttar Pradesh, experts say.

From Washington Post

"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

Related Words

• disembark
• get off