Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
backpedal. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
backpedal, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
backpedal in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
backpedal you have here. The definition of the word
backpedal will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
backpedal, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
back + pedal
Pronunciation
Verb
backpedal (third-person singular simple present backpedals, present participle (US) backpedaling or (UK) backpedalling, simple past and past participle (US) backpedaled or (UK) backpedalled)
- (intransitive) To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
1984, Roald Dahl, Boy:The road was on a hill and the boy was going down the slope, and as he flashed by he started backpedalling very quickly so that the free-wheeling mechanism of his bike made a loud whirring sound.
- (intransitive) To step backwards.
- The player had to backpedal before catching the ball.
- (intransitive, idiomatic) To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.
- Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
to pedal backwards on a bicycle
to distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement