backpedal

Definition

To pedal backwards on a bicycle.

Etymology

From back + pedal.

Example Sentences

• "The road was on a hill and the boy was going down the slope, and as he flashed by he started backpedalling very quickly so that the free-wheeling mechanism of his bike made a loud whirring sound."
• "The player had to backpedal before catching the ball."
• "Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal."