backpedal

== English == === Alternative forms === back-pedal backpeddle (eggcorn) === Etymology === From back +‎ pedal. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbækˌpɛdəɫ/ === Verb === backpedal (third-person singular simple present backpedals, present participle (US) backpedaling or (UK) backpedalling, simple past and past participle (US) backpedaled or (UK) backpedalled) (intransitive) To pedal backwards on a bicycle. (intransitive) To step backwards. (intransitive, idiomatic) To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea. ==== Synonyms ==== (distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement): climb down, walk back, backtrack ==== Derived terms ==== backpedal brake (on a bicycle) backpedaler, backpedaller ==== Translations ==== === Noun === backpedal (plural backpedals) An act of backpedalling (in any sense).