back water

Idioms and Phrases

Reverse a position, take back a statement, or otherwise retreat, as in We're sure that the senator will back water on raising taxes . This term literally refers to a vessel that moves backward in the water because its oars, paddles, or paddlewheel are reversed. It soon was transferred to other kinds of reversal. [Second half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

He would always creep in-shore like some uncomfortable amphibious creature, even when the tide would have sent him fast upon his way; and I always think of him as coming after us in the dark or by the back-water, when our own two boats were breaking the sunset or the moonlight in mid-stream.

From Literature

In just 35 years, China's ruling Communist Party has transformed the country from economic back-water to economic giant.

From BBC

"When he was coming up, it definitely was a back-water kind of practice," said Lavin.

From Chicago Tribune

He has come north by the back-water, which accounts for us not having seen him pass through Hippo Pool.

From Project Gutenberg

The struggle with the Arab in the back-water--his headlong rush throughout the length of the rapids--the vision he had had of Crouch, frantic on the bank.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abate
• curb
• curtail
• decelerate
• decrease
• diminish
• hinder
• impede
• lag
• lessen
• moderate
• reduce
• relax
• retard
• slacken
• stall
• temper