to descend
(often foll by from) to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc)
First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase climb down
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
This would represent a climb-down from the $64 billion valuation at which SoftBank last month acquired the 25% stake it did not already own in the company from the $100 billion Vision Fund it manages.
From Reuters ● Sep. 8, 2023
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
Rather a climb-down from Senior to Junior, isn’t it?
From The Madcap of the School by Salmon, Balliol
“They showed they could weather the storm and the administration had to climb down from the tariffs and spend most of the past year trying to mollify China.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
While attempting to climb down a set of stairs, Sanders fell sometime between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m., according to court documents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026
It takes some 45 seconds for a crane operator to climb down, let alone reach a shelter, Berestenko said.
From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026
At least they did once the water had receded sufficiently for them to climb down from trees and clamber off their cars and try to re-orientate themselves.
From BBC ● Nov. 8, 2024
She was so upset, she couldn’t even climb down the ladder.
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
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.
