English

Alternative forms

• climb-down

Noun

climb down ‎(plural climb downs)

1. (idiomatic, sometimes hyphenated) An abandonment, withdrawal from, or softening of a previously expressed opinion, policy, argument, etc.
   • 2003 Aug. 7, "Hope for Korea," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, p. A20 (retrieved 30 June 2011):

     It is interesting to speculate on what combination of factors acted within the Bush administration to bring about the climb-down from its previous position.

   • 2003 Sep. 27, "Mulyam shows his ‘secular’ face again, hits out at BJP," India Times (retrieved 30 June 2011):

     His climb-down from the "hard, secular" image was mainly to widen his support base.

   • 2010 April 24, "Editorial: Dalton McGuinty schooled on sex ed," Toronto Sun (Canada) (retrieved 30 June 2011):

     Hours before his climb down, the premier's own cabinet ministers had vigorously defended the curriculum.

Verb

climb down

1. Used other than as an idiom. To descend by climbing.

   It took 4 hours to climb up, and just 2 to climb down.

2. (idiomatic, sometimes followed by from) To abandon, withdraw from, or soften a previously expressed opinion, argument, etc.
   • 1992 July 27, Paul Lewis, "Inspectors begin search in Baghdad," The Day (Connecticut, USA), p. A5 (retrieved 30 June 2011):

     But Ekeus said Iraq had climbed down in its confrontation with the UN.

   • 1993 May 24, Michael Kramer, "The Political Interest: Drawing a Line in the Quicksand," Time:

     No, but it may be a way for Clinton to climb down from a policy he seems increasingly to view as a no-win proposition.

   • 2001 June 7, Morton Kondracke, "Quit arguing and develop policy to end energy woes," Reading Eagle (USA), p. B9 (retrieved 30 June 2011):

     If they are interested in climbing down from their oppositionism, Democrats ought to consult the Progressive Policy Institute, which has been critical of Bush, but which is developing a balanced, positive approach to the energy crisis.

Synonyms

• backpedal

References

• climb down at OneLook Dictionary Search