back
pe
dal
Third Person
backpedals
Present Participle
backpedaling
Past Tense
backpedaled
Past Participle
backpedaled
1
to withdraw or reverse a previously stated opinion to avoid criticism or controversy
- After receiving backlash, the politician began to backpedal on his controversial remarks.
- She seemed confident at first but started to backpedal when challenged.
- The CEO had to backpedal on the company's new policy after employee protests.
- When caught in a lie, he tried to backpedal quickly to save face.
- The spokesperson backpedaled on the statement after realizing it was factually incorrect.
2
pedal backwards on a bicycle
3
step backwards, in boxing