backpedal etymology

Etymology:

• "Back" + "pedal"
• "Back" refers to moving backwards.
• "Pedal" refers to a lever or foot-operated control for a bicycle or other machine.

Meaning:

• To move or retreat in a backward direction, especially after having moved forward.
• To retract or modify a statement or position, typically in order to avoid accountability or embarrassment.

Origin:

• 19th century, in the context of cycling.
• Cyclists used "backpedal" to describe the action of using the pedals to slow down or reverse the motion of the bicycle.
• The metaphorical sense of the term, meaning to retreat or retract a statement, developed later.

backpedal relate terms

• back

  Etymology The word back is derived from the Old English word bæc which meant back

• back

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• aback

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• pedal

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• pedal

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• wheel

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• bicycle

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• cycle

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• plead

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• pest

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• citizen

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• character

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• tender

  Etymology The word tender comes from the Old French verb tendre meaning to stretch

• Christian

  Etymology The name Christian derives from the Greek word Χριστιανός Chris