also backpedal
( back-pedals, back-pedalling, back-pedalled)
Note: The forms 'back-pedaling' and 'back-pedaled' are used in American English.
1.
If you back-pedal , you express a different or less forceful opinion about something from the one you have previously expressed.
Allen back-pedalled, saying that he had had no intention of offending them...
He appeared to back-pedal on that statement.
= backtrack
VERB : V , V on n
2.
If you say that someone back-pedals , you disapprove of their behaviour because they are not doing what they promised.
She’s backpedaled twice already...
The cabinet may backpedal on these commitments.
VERB : V , V on/from n [ disapproval ]
• back-pedalling
...Britain’s back-pedalling on reforms.
N-UNCOUNT