back-pedal

[bak-ped-l] / ˈbækˌpɛd l /

VERB

change mind

Synonyms

WEAK

back out of change opinion default on do a U-turn do an about-face fail to honor go back on go into reverse have second thoughts reconsider renege shift one's ground sing a different song take back

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.

Mateusz Klich and Bamford shot high over Pickford’s crossbar, Calvert-Lewin dragged a chance wide and, having lived dangerously when he sprayed a clearance straight to Rodríguez, Meslier had to back-pedal to catch the playmaker’s attempted lob.

From The Guardian

Chamblee had to back-pedal like a defensive back on that one throughout the week at Bethpage Black as Koepka stormed to his fourth major title.

From Golf Digest

Like a standup comedian who realizes he has gone too far, he was forced to back-pedal: “No, no. Don’t worry, nobody accepted it. But I tried like hell, I’ll tell you.”

From The Guardian

Dendoncker wastefully lifted Matt Doherty’s cutback over the bar from the corner of the six-yard box, and Rúben Neves forced De Gea to quickly back-pedal to hold on to a spectacular volley.

From The Guardian

“We have seen mosques that want to be sanctuary congregations, but they’ve had to back-pedal because they were getting hate mail, threats. When a mosque tries to do the same thing a white Protestant church tries to, there’s a very different reaction from the community,” he said.

From The Guardian