backpedal: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘backpedal’ mean?
The idiom backpedal means to retract or reverse a previous statement, position, or decision. It implies a sudden change of direction, often due to pressure or criticism.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "have one's back up" means to become defensive or angry due to feeling threatened or criticized.
The idiom "have one's back up" is a commonly used phrase in English. It is often used to describe a person who becomes defensive or angry when they feel threatened or insulted. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but its meaning and usage have stayed the same throughout history.
This idiom means to change one's opinion or support in order to align with the majority, often due to perceived benefits or social pressure.
The idiom "go back to the drawing board" means to start over or try a different approach because the current one has failed or is not effective.
The idiom "go back in time" means to return to a previous period or moment in history, often used figuratively to express the desire or possibility of revisiting past events or changing past actions.
The idiom "get back at" means to seek revenge or retaliate against someone for something they have done to you.
The idiom "double back" means to turn around and go back in the opposite direction. It is often used to describe a change in plans or a reversal of a previous decision.
The idiom "dial back" means to reduce or lessen something, often used in the context of scaling down intensity, aggression, or speed.
The idiom "come around" means to change one's opinion or position, typically after being hesitant or resistant.
The idiom "climb down" means to admit that you were wrong or that you have made a mistake, typically after taking a strong or stubborn position on something. It implies a retracting of one's initial stance or argument.
The Unexpected Explanation
The idioms "back down," "double back," and "back up" are related to the idiom "backpedal" in various ways.
The idiom "back down" is often used interchangeably with "backpedal" and refers to the act of retracting or withdrawing one's previous statements or actions in the face of opposition or disagreement. This can occur when someone realizes that their initial position is unpopular or untenable and chooses to reverse their stance to avoid further conflict or negative consequences.
"Double back," while not directly synonymous with "backpedal," shares the idea of reversing direction or returning to a previous position. In the context of the idiom, "double back" can be used to describe someone who initially moves forward with a particular course of action or decision but then changes their mind and retraces their steps to revert to their original position or plan.
The idiom "back up" is similar to "backpedal" in the sense that it involves a reversal or retreat from a previous position or statement. However, "back up" emphasizes the act of providing evidence or support for an argument or claim. When someone "backs up" their statements, they offer proof or examples to validate their position, often in response to criticism or doubt.
These three idioms all share the theme of reversing, retracting, or revising previous statements or actions. While they may differ slightly in their nuances and applications, they all describe instances where individuals or organizations alter their course to rectify, avoid, or explain their previous positions.
It is important to note that "backpedal," "back down," "double back," and "back up" are all figurative idioms and should not be taken literally. They are metaphors that convey complex ideas and actions through the use of familiar, everyday language.
The idiom "backpedal" is deeply ingrained in American English and is widely understood. It encompasses the act of reversing or retracting one's previous statements or actions, often in an attempt to evade responsibility or avoid the consequences of one's earlier position. The related idioms "back down," "double back," and "back up" share similar themes of reversing or revising previous positions, but they each have their own nuances and applications. Together, they exemplify the dynamic nature of language and the complexities of human behavior.
Example usage
1. After realizing he had made a false statement, the politician tried to backpedal and clarify his earlier remarks.
2. The company initially announced a price increase, but after facing backlash from customers, they quickly backpedaled and decided to keep prices the same.
3. During the debate, the candidate found himself in a difficult situation and had to backpedal on his previous stance to appeal to a wider audience.
More "Verbs" idioms
