# backpedal

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈbækˌpɛdəɫ/

## Definitions
1. To pedal backwards on a bicycle.
2. To step backwards.
3. To distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.

## Etymology
From back + pedal.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backpedal