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.

Verb

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