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• climb-down
  climb-down

  noun

  a retreat, as from an indefensible opinion or position.
• climb down
  climb down

  verb

  to descend

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

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 • Sep. 14, 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

The reason?—a kindly means of saving faces for those whom he and I were going to "persuade"—of making the "climb-down" easier for them!

From Angels & Ministers by Housman, Laurence

Related Words

• disembark
• get off