backtrack

[ bak-trak ]

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

to return over the same course or route.

to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.

Origin of backtrack

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; back² + track

Those workingmen who favor a nominal increase of wages are, unconsciously following a back-track, opposed to all their interests.

What is Property? |P. J. Proudhon
“No matter about this shod horse and his back-track,” he continues, once more heading his own animal to the trail.

Gaspar the Gaucho |Mayne Reid
I could not cross the street and the only thing to do was to back-track.

Outwitting the Hun |Pat O'Brien
We pursued our back-track, anxiously looking from every eminence, and stopping to listen for the sound of the bells.

Scenes and Adventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas |Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Say, Monk, do ye remember readin' about that back-track stunt Last Time pulled off five years ago?

The Red Debt |Everett MacDonald

backtrack

/ (ˈbækˌtræk) /

to return by the same route by which one has come

to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc

backtracking, noun