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Backpedal for Dummies

verb

pronunciation: 'bæk,pɛdʌl

What does Backpedal really mean?

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Hey there! So, the word "backpedal" is kind of like when you're riding a bike and you pedal backwards to make the bike go in reverse. But in this case, we're not talking about a bike, we're talking about changing your mind or going back on something you said.

So, when someone backpedals, it means that they're taking back something they said or did. It's like if you tell your friend you're going to do something, but then you change your mind and say you didn't really mean it. That's backpedaling.

Another way to think about it is like when you're walking forward and then suddenly realize you're going the wrong way, so you take a few steps back to go in a different direction. That's kind of like what backpedaling is, except it's about changing your mind or going back on something you said.

So, when someone accuses someone else of backpedaling, it's like saying they're trying to take back what they said or did to make it seem like they didn't really mean it. Does that make sense?

Revised and Fact checked by Patricia Williams on 2023-11-15 20:54:03

Backpedal In a sentece

Learn how to use Backpedal inside a sentece

  • When I asked Tim if he had finished his homework, he tried to backpedal and said he still had a few questions left to answer.
  • The politician tried to backpedal on his promise to lower taxes after facing criticism from the public.
  • She realized she had made a mistake and quickly backpedaled, apologizing for her actions.
  • After making a bold statement, the CEO began to backpedal when he saw the negative impact it had on the company's stock.
  • The team initially agreed to the new schedule, but then began to backpedal and express concerns about the timing.

Backpedal Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.