“Back peddle” or “backpedal”: which is correct?
backpedal
The short answer
The correct term is backpedal, which implies moving backward or retreating from an earlier position or opinion.
Why people get it wrong
People make this error because pedal and peddle are homophones—they sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Pedal relates to pushing with the foot (such as on a bicycle), while peddle means selling goods.
What kind of mistake it is
Back peddle is a phonetic error and a malapropism. It occurs when a word or phrase is mistakenly used in place of one that sounds similar.
Examples with backpedal
- The politician began to backpedal on his earlier statements.
- After reviewing the data, the scientist decided to backpedal on her initial conclusion.
- The company had to backpedal on its policy after public outcry.
Quick check
The politician began to on his earlier statements.
The correct term is backpedal, which implies moving backward or retreating from an earlier position or opinion.
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