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.

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

“We have seen mosques that want to be sanctuary congregations, but they’ve had to back-pedal because they were getting hate mail, threats. When a mosque tries to do the same thing a white Protestant church tries to, there’s a very different reaction from the community,” he said.

From The Guardian

Some fear that, despite its crackdown on Russian oligarchs, the country may back-pedal on fighting corruption out of desperation to show the economy can thrive after Brexit.

From Economist

He was sacked last year after, he claims credibly, denying Mr Trump’s request to back-pedal a counter-intelligence investigation into the president’s campaign team.

From Economist