back
track
Third Person
backtracks
Present Participle
backtracking
Past Tense
backtracked
Past Participle
backtracked
1
to go back along the same path or route that one has previously taken
- Realizing they had missed a turn, the hikers had to backtrack along the trail to find the right path.
- The explorers had to backtrack through the dense jungle to locate the spot where they had veered off course.
- During the hike, the group decided to backtrack and explore a side trail they had overlooked earlier.
- Having taken the wrong exit, the driver had to backtrack on the highway to get back on the correct route.
Synonyms:
2
to change one's opinion, or retract one's statement due to being under pressure
transitive
- Under scrutiny from the press, the politician had to backtrack on his statement.
- Realizing the implications of his initial claim, the spokesperson had to backtrack and issue a public apology.
- Faced with legal repercussions, the company had to backtrack on its decision and revise its product labeling.
- he athlete, facing backlash for a controversial endorsement, had to backtrack.
- Under pressure from stakeholders, the government had to backtrack on the proposed tax reforms.