1. the act of retreating from or reversing a previous statement or position
Usage: gerund form

1. to retreat from or reverse a previous statement, position, or commitment
Usage: present participle of backpedal
2. to pedal backward on a bicycle
Usage: present participle of backpedal; literal sense

Examples

• The politician was backpedaling on his campaign promises after the election.
• She started backpedaling when confronted with evidence that contradicted her story.
• The company’s backpedaling on the policy change confused many employees.
• He was backpedaling furiously to avoid hitting the car in front of him.
• The CEO’s backpedaling during the interview made investors nervous.
• After receiving criticism, the author began backpedaling on her controversial statements.
• The child was backpedaling on his bike to slow down on the hill.