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Definition of Backpedal
1. Verb. Pedal backwards on a bicycle.
2. Verb. Step backwards, in boxing.
3. Verb. Modify one's opinion, make it less strong.
Definition of Backpedal
1. Verb. To pedal backwards on a bicycle. ¹
2. Verb. To step backwards. ¹
3. Verb. (idiomatic) To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Backpedal
1. [v -ALLED, -ALLING, -ALS, -ALED, -ALING]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Backpedal
Literary usage of Backpedal
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Macmillan's Magazine by David Masson, George Grove, John Morley, Mowbray Morris (1905)
"He made a sudden attempt to backpedal and missed his hold with the right foot.
The prompt, vicious whirr of the disengaged rat-trap filled his ears like the ..."
2. Flight Check!: The Story Of Faa Flight Inspection by Scott A. Thompson (1997)
"The military, while initially embracing the VOR ranges for navigation, began to
backpedal from their commitment and pursued the development of a purely ..."
3. More Than Guided Reading: Finding the Right Instructional Mix, K-3 by Cathy Mere (2005)
"A silence hung in the air—one of those moments when you know the lesson has
already gone too far and it is time to backpedal. Then Allison spoke up. ..."
4. Black Soldier, White Army: The 24th Infantry Regiment in Korea by William T. Bowers, William M. Hammond, George L. MacGarrigle (1997)
"Idwal H. Edwards, thus concurred with the report's recommendations but immediately
began to backpedal by warning that the Army, in attempting to use black ..."
5. The Standard Cipher Code of the American Railway Association, for the Use of by American Railway Association (1906)
"Backmost.... Baggage checks are needed here for 33. . backpedal.... Baggage checks
are not needed here for 34. ..."
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