# climb down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/climb-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to admit that you were wrong or to change your position in an argument because you realize you cannot win.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The politician climbed down his promise." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.