backpedal
|back-ped-al|
/ˈbæk.pɪ.dəl/
reverse course / withdraw a previous action or position
Etymology
'backpedal' originates from English, formed by combining 'back' + 'pedal', where 'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'rear/behind' and 'pedal' ultimately comes from Latin 'pes, ped-' via French 'pédale' meaning 'foot' or 'pedal'.
'backpedal' developed from the two-word or hyphenated expression 'back pedal' / 'back-pedal' used in the late 19th century (originally in cycling contexts) and eventually became the single word 'backpedal' in modern English.
Initially it meant 'to pedal backward on a bicycle (to slow or stop)'; over time it broadened figuratively to mean 'to reverse a stated position or withdraw a promise'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an act of backpedaling; a reversal or retreat from a previous position or statement.
That sudden backpedal damaged their reputation.
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Verb 1
to pedal backward on a bicycle (literally), often to slow down or stop.
To avoid the fallen branch, she had to backpedal.
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Verb 2
to withdraw, retract, or reverse a previously stated position, promise, or opinion (figurative).
Faced with criticism, the CEO chose not to backpedal.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 21:11