climb down

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.

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

"I think that is the cover to call it off ... a fig leaf to make it look like it is not a climb-down," he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 23, 2021

Ireland is ready to sign up to a proposed global agreement for a minimum tax on companies, a climb-down that removes one hurdle to an unprecedented deal that would reshape the landscape for multinationals.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021

He could not draw back now—it would be too much of a climb-down; and it would never do for him, the football captain, to show the white feather.

From Gunpowder Treason and Plot And Other Stories for Boys by Avery, Harold