(~s, ~ling, ~led)
Note: The spelling 'backpedal' is also used. The forms '~ing' and '~ed' are used in American English.
1.
If you ~, you express a different or less forceful opinion about something from the one you have previously expressed.
Allen ~led, saying that he had had no intention of offending them...
He appeared to ~ on that statement.
= backtrack
VERB: V, V on n
2.
If you say that someone ~s, 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
~ling
...Britain’s ~ling on reforms.
N-UNCOUNT