verb
backpedal
Backpedal (verb) means to turn a bicycle's pedals in the opposite direction to normal.
verb
1
To turn a bicycle's pedals in the opposite direction to normal.
2
To walk or move backwards.
"The player had to backpedal before catching the ball."
3
To withdraw from something you said or believed earlier.
"Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal."
"Adidas is backpedaling fast over its latest attempt to protect its iconic three-stripe mark."
— Anna Cooban, Adidas does rapid U-turn in Black Lives Matter logo dispute (2023)
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Etymology
Formed from back and pedal.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for backpedal
See all rhymes for backpedal →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of backpedal?
"backpedal" (verb) means to turn a bicycle's pedals in the opposite direction to normal.
What is another word for backpedal?
Other words for "backpedal" include backtrack.
What are the different meanings of backpedal?
"backpedal" has 3 main meanings: 1. To turn a bicycle's pedals in the opposite direction to normal; 2. To walk or move backwards; 3. To withdraw from something you said or believed earlier.
