back-pedal

[bak-ped-l] / ˈbækˌpɛd l /

VERB

change mind

Synonyms

WEAK

back out of change opinion default on do a U-turn do an about-face fail to honor go back on go into reverse have second thoughts reconsider renege shift one's ground sing a different song take back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He later tried to back-pedal, claiming he was misquoted, but the country's human rights body found his comments "hurtful and harmful".

From BBC

At the time, Nigeria also warned that it would not tolerate Ukraine's recruitment drive, forcing it to back-pedal.

From BBC

Mateusz Klich and Bamford shot high over Pickford’s crossbar, Calvert-Lewin dragged a chance wide and, having lived dangerously when he sprayed a clearance straight to Rodríguez, Meslier had to back-pedal to catch the playmaker’s attempted lob.

From The Guardian

Chamblee had to back-pedal like a defensive back on that one throughout the week at Bethpage Black as Koepka stormed to his fourth major title.

From Golf Digest

Like a standup comedian who realizes he has gone too far, he was forced to back-pedal: “No, no. Don’t worry, nobody accepted it. But I tried like hell, I’ll tell you.”

From The Guardian