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backpedal
[/ˈbækˌpɛdəl/]
verb
recuar; voltar atrás
1.
To pedal a bicycle or similar vehicle backward
He backpedaled to slow down the bike.
Ele pedalou para trás para desacelerar a bicicleta.
2.
To reverse one's previous statement, decision, or position; to retreat from a claim
The politician backpedaled on his earlier promises.
O político voltou atrás em suas promessas anteriores.
3.
To move backward or retreat physically
The boxer backpedaled to avoid the punch.
O boxeador recuou para evitar o golpe.
NYC Slang
bounce back; eat crow (to admit being wrong)
Synonyms
retreat
recant
retract
renege
back down
climb down
reverse course
Antonyms
advance
persist
stand firm
maintain
follow through
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
recuar; voltar atrás; fazer marcha à ré
Most common usage in both literal and figurative senses
São Paulo
recuar
Standard usage, may also use 'dar para trás'
Rio de Janeiro
voltar atrás; recuar
Common colloquial usage
Portugal
recuar; dar um passo atrás; retratar-se
More formal in Portugal, especially for figurative meaning
Related Idioms & Phrases
backpedal from a commitment
backpedal on a promise
backpedal one's statement
quick backpedal
backpedal like crazy
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