Backpedal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ด
backpedal
[ หbรฆkหpษdษl ]
physical movement
To backpedal means to move backward on a bicycle or similar vehicle while pedaling. The term can also refer to the act of retreating or reversing oneโs previous position or statement, typically to avoid criticism or misinterpretation.
Synonyms
recant, retract, reverse, withdraw
Examples of usage
- He had to backpedal quickly to avoid the oncoming vehicle.
- After the backlash, the politician decided to backpedal on his controversial remarks.
- The company had to backpedal on its initial product launch timeline.
- She realized her mistake and chose to backpedal during the discussion.
Translations
Translations of the word "backpedal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น recuar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคเฅ เคนเคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช zurรผcktreten
๐ฎ๐ฉ mundur
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒัะดัััะฟะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ cofaฤ siฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅพ้ใใ
๐ซ๐ท reculer
๐ช๐ธ retroceder
๐น๐ท geri adฤฑm atmak
๐ฐ๐ท ํํดํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุชุฑุงุฌุน
๐จ๐ฟ ustupovat
๐ธ๐ฐ ustupovaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ้
๐ธ๐ฎ nazaditi
๐ฎ๐ธ fara aftur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐััาะฐ ัะตะณัะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแแแ แฌแแกแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ geri addฤฑm atmaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ retroceder
Word origin
The word 'backpedal' originated from the combination of 'back', meaning toward the rear, and 'pedal', which refers to the foot-operated lever on a bicycle. The term gained popularity in the late 20th century as cycling became more common and as a metaphorical expression to convey the action of retreating or retraction in conversation or policy. It was originally used in a literal sense in cycling, indicating the action of pedaling backward to slow down or stop. Over time, the usage expanded to include figurative meanings, particularly in political discourse, where politicians would 'backpedal' to distance themselves from previously stated positions. The versatility of the term has allowed it to permeate various forms of media and conversation.