1. move the pedals of a bicycle backwards (formerly to brake).
▪ reverse one's previous action or opinion: "Boyd quickly back-pedalled when asked to explain her suggestion"Similarchange one's mindchange one's opiniongo into reversedo an about-facedo a U-turnrow backshift one's groundsing a different songhave second thoughtsreconsiderclimb downdo an about-turnrenege onback down ongo back onback out offail to honourwithdrawbacktrack onrow back ontake backabandondefault on
▪ move hastily backwards:"Cook forced the goalkeeper to back-pedal and push a shot over the bar"
