Phrasal verb
climb down
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
climb down
Past
climbed down
Past participle
climbed down
Definition
phrasal verb. to admit that you were wrong or to change your position in an argument because you realize you cannot win.
phrasal verb. to retreat from a previously held position, opinion, or demand, typically after realizing it is no longer defensible. The verb is intransitive in this figurative sense.
Examples
“The boss usually has to climb down when he makes a mistake.”
“After the public protested against the new law, the government was forced to climb down on its plans.”
“The company was forced to climb down from its aggressive expansion strategy after shareholders expressed significant concerns regarding the projected long-term debt.”
Examples
simple
“The boss usually has to climb down when he makes a mistake.”
contextual
“After the public protested against the new law, the government was forced to climb down on its plans.”
complex
“The company was forced to climb down from its aggressive expansion strategy after shareholders expressed significant concerns regarding the projected long-term debt.”
Usage
Often followed by the prepositions 'on' or 'from' to specify the topic of the disagreement.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'back down'; 'climb down' often suggests a more formal or public admission that a previous stance was incorrect.
Pitfall
The politician climbed down his promise.
The politician climbed down on his promise.
In the figurative sense, 'climb down' is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'on' or 'from' to connect to an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
climb + down
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
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