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backpedaling

The correct spelling is backpedaling.

How to pronounce backpedaling

verb

Say it like: Bak-ped-ali-ng

The correct spelling is backpedaling. To pedal backwards on a bicycle. For example: "The player had to backpedal before catching the ball."

Usage Examples

The player had to backpedal before catching the ball.

Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal.

Meanings

verb

  1. 1.To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
  2. 2.To step backwards.
  3. 3.To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.

noun

  1. 1.The act of distancing oneself from a previously supported idea, action, behaviour, etc.; a U-turn or flip-flop.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples