1. to retreat from or reverse a previous statement, position, or commitment
Usage: present participle of backpedal
2. to pedal backward on a bicycle
Usage: literal sense; present participle of backpedal

Examples

• The politician is backpedalling on his campaign promises.
• She’s backpedalling from her earlier criticism of the project.
• The company is backpedalling after the public backlash.
• He started backpedalling when confronted with the evidence.
• The child was backpedalling on her bike to slow down.
• After backpedalling for a few seconds, she regained her balance.