CEFR C1

climb-down

noun

Meaning

An act of retreating from a previously held position or demand, especially after facing opposition or realizing it is unsustainable.

Examples

  • The union leaders were forced into a climb-down when the company threatened to close the factory entirely.
  • His sudden climb-down on the issue of environmental regulations surprised many of his political allies.

Synonyms: retreat, concession, backtrack, capitulation