Meaning & use
back-paddling
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“back-paddling” is a form of “back-paddle”.
Meanings
verbintransitivefigurative
Changing an earlier opinion or promise, often because of criticism or pressure.
Grammar: No object; often used in progressive forms: 'he is back-paddling on the issue'.
Patterns
- back-paddle on something
- back-paddle from a position
- be accused of back-paddling
The minister was accused of back-paddling on her promise to cut taxes.
After public criticism, the company started back-paddling from its original plan.
He kept back-paddling whenever reporters asked for details.
verbintransitivesport
Moving a boat backward by pushing water with a paddle in the opposite direction.
Grammar: No object; describes the physical action of paddling backward.
Patterns
- back-paddle the canoe
- back-paddle to shore
She back-paddled to keep the canoe away from the rocks.
The instructor told us to back-paddle slowly toward the bank.
Word forms
| third person singular | back-paddles |
|---|---|
| past tense | back-paddled |
| past participle | back-paddled |
| -ing form | back-paddling |
Common combinations
- back-paddle on an issue
- The mayor is back-paddling on the issue of parking charges.
- be accused of back-paddling
- The party was accused of back-paddling after the election.
- start back-paddling
- Once the protests grew, the officials started back-paddling.
- back-paddle from a promise
- Voters dislike it when politicians back-paddle from their promises.
Synonyms and how they differ
- backtrack
- Backtrack is very close and often used for reversing a decision or statement; it can also mean physically going back along a route.
- retract
- Retract is more formal and means formally withdrawing a statement or offer.
- waver
- Waver means being uncertain between choices, not necessarily changing a public position after criticism.
Opposites
Word family
- back-paddle verb
- The base form of the verb.
- backpedal verb
- Common alternative spelling of the same verb.
Commonly confused: back-paddling or backpedal?
back-paddling vs backpedal
This is the same verb, usually spelled as one word; 'back-paddling' with a hyphen is a less common variant.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'back-paddling' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Back-paddle' is intransitive, so it takes 'on' before the thing being changed: 'back-paddling on his promise'. Option 0 uses a direct object, and options 2 and 3 are grammatically impossible with the -ing form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “back-paddling”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.