backpedal
US /ˈbækˌped.əl/
UK /ˈbækˌped.əl/
动词
1.
倒踩踏板, 倒踏刹车
reverse the pedals of a bicycle in order to apply a brake
示例:
•
He had to backpedal quickly to avoid hitting the car.
他不得不迅速倒踩踏板以避免撞到汽车。
•
The old bicycle allowed you to backpedal to brake.
那辆旧自行车允许你倒踩踏板来刹车。
2.
收回, 改变立场
reverse one's previous opinion or stand
示例:
•
After facing strong criticism, the politician had to backpedal on his controversial statement.
在面临强烈批评后，这位政治家不得不收回他有争议的言论。
•
The company tried to backpedal on its promise after realizing the high cost.
公司在意识到高成本后试图收回承诺。