backpedal
Translation
to back-pedal, to backtrack, to retract
Examples
The politician had to backpedal on his promise.
The politician had to back-pedal on his promise.
She started to backpedal when she saw the angry dog.
She started to back-pedal when she saw the angry dog.
Grammar Patterns
((on sth.)) to reverse one's previous opinion about (sth.) The politician had to backpedal on his promise.
((away from sth.)) to move backward from (sth.) She started to backpedal away from the dog.
Similar Words
Synonyms: retract, withdraw, retreat; Antonyms: advance, proceed
Etymology
From 'back' + 'pedal'. The term originates from the action of pedaling backward on a bicycle to brake or move backward.
Memory Tips
Picture a cyclist suddenly pedaling backward to avoid a crash. This image applies to quickly changing your opinion or decision.