climb-down

[ klahym-doun ]

noun

1. a retreat, as from an indefensible opinion or position.

climb down

verb

1. to descend
2. often foll by from to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc)

noun

1. a retreat from an opinion, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of climb-down¹

First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase climb down

Example Sentences

At least they did once the water had receded sufficiently for them to climb down from trees and clamber off their cars and try to re-orientate themselves.

From BBC

I climbed down a ladder to find my husband and 5-year-old daughter still snoozing in the lower bunk.

From Los Angeles Times

Others seemed resistant to climb down the mountain and reenter the cities and society below.

From Los Angeles Times

The rescue crews found Mortensen on the beach, where he’d been able to climb down to from the steep incline, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Instead of putting up a trellis where plants climb up, we thought ‘Why don’t we plant it on top and have it climb down,’ ” Johnsen said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• disembark
• get off