backpedal

(verb)

verb

1. pedal backwards on a bicycle

Definition categories: motion, bicycle, bike, cycle, pedal, wheel

2. step backwards, in boxing

Definition categories: motion, step

3. modify one's opinion, make it less strong

Definition categories: cognition, rethink

Sentences with backpedal as a verb:

- The player had to backpedal before catching the ball.

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