# climb down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/climb-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An abandonment, withdrawal from, or softening of a previously expressed opinion, policy, argument, etc.

## Examples

- The manager had to climb down after his mistake.
- After the public criticized the new policy, the government was forced to climb down and change its plans.
- Despite his initial insistence that the project was flawless, the director eventually climbed down when the data proved him wrong.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.