climb down

Definitions

1. 1

   An abandonment, withdrawal from, or softening of a previously expressed opinion, policy,…

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

   • 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.
   • His climb-down from the "hard, secular" image was mainly to widen his support base.
   • Hours before his climb down, the premier's own cabinet ministers had vigorously defended the curriculum.
2. 2

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see climb, down.

   • It took 2 hours to climb up, but 4 to climb down as our energy grew less and less.
3. 3

   To abandon, withdraw from, or soften a previously expressed opinion, argument, etc.

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

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