backpedal

Thân thiện

The politician began to backpedal on his earlier statement during the press conference.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To modify one's opinion, make it less strong: To retreat from or reverse a previously held position, statement, or promise.
   • To step backwards, especially in boxing: To move backwards by taking quick, short steps, often to avoid an opponent's attack.
   • To pedal backwards on a bicycle: To rotate the pedals of a bicycle in the reverse direction, often to brake on certain types of bicycles.

Usage and Examples

• Modifying an opinion:

  • The politician had to backpedal on his earlier comments after they caused public outrage.
  • The company is trying to backpedal from its promise to give everyone a raise.

• Stepping backwards (e.g., in boxing):

  • The boxer was forced to backpedal rapidly to avoid his opponent's powerful jab.
  • He backpedaled across the ring, trying to create some distance.

• Pedaling backwards (on a bicycle):

  • On this old bike, you backpedal to engage the brake.
  • The child learned to backpedal to stop the bicycle.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use for Reversal: Often used figuratively to describe any retreat from a previous stance or plan.
  • Under pressure from investors, the CEO backpedaled on the proposed merger.
• In Debate or Argument: Used to describe retracting a point or weakening an argument during a discussion.
  • When presented with the data, she quickly backpedaled on her initial claim.

Variants and Related Words

• Backpedaling (noun/gerund): The act of reversing a position or pedaling backwards.
  • His constant backpedaling made him seem untrustworthy.
• Backpedaler (noun): A person who frequently reverses their position.
  • He gained a reputation as a backpedaler who couldn't stick to a decision.

Synonyms

• Retract: To withdraw a statement or opinion.
• Recant: To formally renounce a belief or statement.
• Retreat: To move back or withdraw, especially from a position.
• Recede: To move back or away (often used figuratively).
• Reverse: To change to the opposite direction, position, or course of action.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To do a U-turn: To make a complete reversal in policy or opinion (similar in figurative use).
  • The government did a U-turn on its tax policy.
• To climb down: To retreat from a position in an argument or dispute.
  • He was forced to climb down from his aggressive stance.

Notes on Meaning

The core concept of 'backpedal' involves moving or reversing backwards from a previous point—whether that point is a physical location (in boxing or cycling) or a figurative position (an opinion or promise). The word often carries a negative connotation of weakness, evasion, or inconsistency when referring to opinions.

Học thuật

Verb

1. modify one's opinion, make it less strong
2. step backwards, in boxing
3. pedal backwards on a bicycle