Backpedal: meaning, definitions and examples

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backpedal

 

[ หˆbรฆkหŒpษ›dษ™l ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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 oneโ€™s 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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น recuar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เค›เฅ‡ เคนเคŸเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช zurรผcktreten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mundur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดัั‚ัƒะฟะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cofaฤ‡ siฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅพŒ้€€ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท reculer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ retroceder

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geri adฤฑm atmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ›„ํ‡ดํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุชุฑุงุฌุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ustupovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ustupovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŽ้€€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nazaditi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fara aftur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€ั‚า›ะฐ ัˆะตะณั–ะฝัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ™แƒแƒœ แƒฌแƒแƒกแƒ•แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ geri addฤฑm atmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ retroceder

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,070, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.