the.com/backpedal
the art of un-saying something without admitting you ever said it.
means to reverse a stance or claim, usually fast, usually after realizing it was a bad idea.
from from bicycles: pedaling backward once actually braked the wheel, so backpedaling meant stopping your forward motion cold.
original techcoaster brakes made this literal, not metaphorical
politician favoriteoften paired with clarify to soften the retreat
physical root1900s cycling term before it meant anything social