backpedalverb [ I ]
uk/ˈbækˌped.əl//ˌbækˈped.əl/us/ˈbækˌped.əl//ˌbækˈped.əl/-ll- or US usually -l-backpedal verb [ I ] (BICYCLE)
to move the pedals (= parts you operate with your feet) backwards on a bicycle:
Some types of bike have brakes that you operate by backpedalling.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Bicycles
- bicycle
- brake pad
- chopper
- crossbar
- cycle rickshaw
- cyclist
- derailleur
- dirt bike
- exercise bike
- freewheel
- handlebars
- mountain bike
- mudguard
- off-road
- pedal
- racer
- reflector
- spoke
- stabilizer
- unicycle
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backpedal verb [ I ] (CHANGE OPINION)
to change an opinion that you had expressed before, or do something different from what you had said you would do:
As soon as I said I thought she was wrong, she started backpedalling.
He said he'd help, but now he's starting to backpedal (on his promise).
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Changing your mind
- 180
- about-turn
- back away
- back out
- change of heart idiom
- change your tune idiom
- climbdown
- cold
- come round
- move
- oscillate
- pendulum
- pull
- pull (sb/sth) out
- realign
- seesaw
- think better of sth idiom
- time-server
- U-turn
- volte-face
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