Definition

1. Noun:
   • A retraction of a previously held position: A climb-down is an act of admitting that you were wrong or of changing your demands or opinions, especially in a way that is seen as a defeat or a loss of face.

Usage

• The word "climb-down" is used to describe a situation where a person, group, or organization has to publicly withdraw a previous statement, demand, or policy because it is no longer tenable or has been met with strong opposition. It often implies a reluctant or embarrassing concession.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The government's decision to cancel the tax increase was a humiliating climb-down.
  • After hours of negotiation, the union's climb-down allowed the talks to proceed.
  • The company's climb-down on its pricing policy came after a consumer boycott.

Advanced Usage

• "to stage/manage a climb-down": To orchestrate a retreat from a position in a way that minimizes damage to one's reputation.
  • The minister tried to stage a graceful climb-down by blaming the policy on faulty data.
• "a complete/partial climb-down": Specifying the extent of the retraction.
  • The statement was not an apology but a partial climb-down from their original accusation.

Variants and Related Words

• Climb down (phrasal verb): The action from which the noun is derived.
  • The CEO was forced to climb down from his threat to close the factory.
• Backdown (n): A close synonym for climb-down.
• Retraction (n): A more formal term for withdrawing a statement.
• Concession (n): Something granted, especially in response to demands.

Synonyms

• Retreat
• Backtracking
• Reversal
• Withdrawal
• Capitulation

Related Phrases

• To eat one's words: To admit that what one said was wrong.
• To do a U-turn: To make a complete reversal of policy.

Notes

• "Climb-down" is typically used in political, diplomatic, or corporate contexts. It carries a connotation of public embarrassment or loss of authority for the party making the concession. It is often reported in news media.

Noun

1. a retraction of a previously held position