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backpedalling - 2 dictionary results

back-ped⋅al

  [bak-ped-l]
Use backpedalling in a Sentence
–verb (used without object), -aled, -al⋅ing or (especially British) -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.
Origin:
1895–1900
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To backpedalling
back·ped·al   (bāk'pěd'l)   
intr.v.   back·ped·aled or back·ped·alled, back·ped·al·ing or back·ped·al·ling, back·ped·als
  1. To move the pedals of a bicycle or similar vehicle backward, especially to apply a brake.
  2. To move backward by taking short quick steps, as in boxing or football.
  3. To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude: The senator later backpedaled on the issue.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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