back-pedal

UK: /ˈbækpɛd^əl/ US: (bak′ped′l)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈback-ˌped•al,  v. [no obj], -ped•aled, -ped•al•ing or (esp. Brit.) -ped•alled, -ped•al•ling. 

1. to slow down the forward motion of a bicycle by pressing backward on the pedals.
2. to reverse one's previous stand on a matter:
   When voters complained about the new tax, the senator backpedaled.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

back-ped•al  (bak′ped′l), v.i., -aled, -al•ing or (esp. Brit.) -alled, -al•ling. 

1. to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, esp. of a bicycle with coaster brakes.
2. to retreat from or reverse one's previous stand on any matter;
   shift ground:
   to back-pedal after severe criticism.
3. [Boxing.] to retreat from an opponent, esp. by stepping rapidly backward.

• 1895–1900

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

back-pedal verb ( -pedals, -pedalling, -pedalled) ( -pedals, -pedaling, -pedaled)(intransitive)

1. to turn the pedals of a bicycle backwards
2. to retract or modify a previous opinion, principle, etc