climb-down

[klahym-doun]

noun

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

climb down

verb

1. to descend

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

noun

1. a retreat from an opinion, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of climb down¹

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

Example Sentences

In perhaps the most embarrassing climb-down by Trump, on Jan. 29 his budget office rescinded a memo freezing billions of dollars in expenditures by federal agencies — just a day after it had issued the memo.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the announcement appears at least superficially to represent another climb-down by Trump of the stern tariff regime he claimed to be imposing.

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So here is a look at the leading theories about Trump’s abrupt climb-down Wednesday, followed by a look at why, no matter the explanation for his trade war, it doesn’t make sense for America.

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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.

Read more on 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.

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Related Words

• disembark 
• get off