Definition
Definition of backpedalling - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
communicationRare UK the act of withdrawing from a previous statement or positionRare UK
- The politician's backpedalling surprised many supporters.
2.
movementRare UK the act of stepping backwards to avoid somethingRare UK
- His quick backpedalling saved him from the punch.
3.
cyclingRare UK the act of pedaling backwards on a bicycleRare UK
- Backpedalling is sometimes used to slow down the bike.
Adjective
1.
movementRare moving backward or retreatingRare
- The team was backpedalling in the final minutes of the game.
2.
retractionRare UK retracting a previous statement or positionRare UK
- The politician was backpedalling after the controversial speech.
Origin of backpedalling
English, back (reverse) + pedal (to push with foot)
Examples of backpedalling in a sentence
The manager’s backpedalling in the meeting undermined confidence in the plan. Backpedalling during the drill kept her clear of the oncoming striker. Backpedalling was his only option to avoid the swinging branch. He practiced backpedalling while coasting down the driveway. During the tight turn, her backpedalling kept the pedals from striking the curb. The politician was backpedalling on his previous statements.
She started backpedalling when she saw the dog. He was backpedalling on his earlier promises. The CEO was backpedalling after the financial report.
View all translations of backpedalling
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:rétropédalage, reculant, ...
- German:Zurückrudern, sich zurückziehen, ...
- Italian:retromarcia, in ritirata, ...
- Spanish:marcha atrás, replegándose, ...
- Portuguese:recuo, retrocedendo, ...
- Chinese:改口, 后退的, ...
- Japanese:発言撤回, 後退している, ...
- Arabic:تَراجُع, مُتَرَاجِع, ...
- Hebrew:הִתְקַפְּלוּת, נָסוֹג, ...
- Russian:отказ от своих слов, отступающий, ...
- Ukrainian:здавання назад, відступати, ...
- Hindi:बयान वापसी, पीछे हटती, ...
Definition of backpedal - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
change mindsay you no longer fully support your earlier statement
- He began to backpedal after his bold claim.
2.
literal cyclingmove backwards by pedaling
- He had to backpedal quickly to avoid the obstacle..
3.
boxingTECH. step backwards in boxingTECH.
- The boxer began to backpedal to avoid punches.
Origin of backpedal
back (reverse) + pedal (foot lever)
Examples of backpedal in a sentence
The company had to backpedal on its policy changes. She had to backpedal to keep her balance on the bike. The cyclist began to backpedal to slow down. He had to backpedal when his opponent rushed forward. The fighter backpedaled along the ropes in round two.
View all translations of backpedal
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:se rétracter, rétropédaler, ...
- German:zurückrudern, rückwärts treten, ...
- Italian:ritrattare, pedalare all'indietro, ...
- Spanish:retractarse, pedalear hacia atrás, ...
- Portuguese:voltar atrás, pedalar para trás, ...
- Chinese:改口, 倒踩, ...
- Japanese:発言を撤回する, 逆ペダルを踏む, ...
- Arabic:تَرَاجَعَ, دَاسَ الدَّوَّاسَاتِ إِلَى الخَلْف, ...
- Hebrew:לַחֲזוֹר בּוֹ, לִדְוֹשׁ לְאָחוֹר, ...
- Russian:давать задний ход, педалировать назад, ...
- Ukrainian:відмовлятися від своїх слів, педалювати назад, ...
- Hindi:बयान से पीछे हटना, पिछे पैडल मारना, ...
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