backpedal

views updated May 14 2018

back·ped·al / ˈbakˌpedl/ • v. (-ped·aled, -ped·al·ing; Brit. -ped·alled, -ped·al·ling) [intr.] move the pedals of a bicycle backward in order to brake. ∎  move hastily backward: backpedaling furiously, he flipped a perfect pass. ∎  reverse one's previous action or opinion: you've criticized him for backpedaling on budget reform.