to backpedal
1
6.7
To push the pedals backward on a bike to slow down or move back
- verb
- /ˈbækˌpɛdəl/
:
pedalear hacia atrás
- The cyclist had to backpedal rapidly to regain control of the bike after a sudden bump.
Examples
-
Washington simply catches the speedy Vick as he backpedals and rolls out.
Blog text (5) -
I stopped backpedaling to wave my glove at him for emphasis?
Fiction book (1993) -
He began backpedaling very quickly.
Blog text (19) -
To avoid falling off the bike, she learned to backpedal smoothly when approaching a steep hill.
-
He practiced how to backpedal on his bicycle to improve his handling skills during the lesson.
Synonyms
to back
vsto backpedal
∞
1.0
To move in the direction behind you
happens specifically by pedaling a bicycle in reverse
477
2.7
Move backwards to make space or avoid something
is done specifically by pedaling a bicycle in reverse
to back out
vsto backpedal
21
3.2
Move a car backwards out of a place like a garage
occurs when someone pedals a bicycle so it moves toward the rear
to back into
vsto backpedal
14
2.7
To move a vehicle backwards into a parking space so the back goes in
involves pedaling a bicycle so the bike moves toward the rear
Surface Forms
backpedal infinitive
backpedaled past
backpedaled past participle
backpedaling present participle
backpedals third person singular
Morphology
Etymology
Backpedal is made from back and pedal, with pedal the foot part you push on a bike, so it originally meant to push the pedal 'backwards' to move the bike back or to use the brake.