1. to retreat from or reverse a previous statement, position, or commitment
2. to pedal backward on a bicycle

Examples

• The politician began to backpedal when reporters questioned his earlier comments.
• She had to backpedal on her promise to lower taxes.
• The company quickly backpedaled after the public outcry over their new policy.
• When confronted with evidence, he started to backpedal from his original claim.
• You can backpedal on this bike to brake.
• The child learned to backpedal to slow down the tricycle.