2019.1.23每日一词 backpedal

字典解释

“backpedal”是个非常形象的动词，本意是“倒踩自行车的脚蹬”，常常引申表示“撤回”。它后面一般搭配介词 on, 介词后接表示某个观点、计划、建议、决定、承诺、条款等的词，是用在写作中让读者眼前一亮的好词。

例句

一些美国政客的竞选立场摇摆不定。比如有些人为了迎合大众支持实施减税政策，过了一段时间又决定撤销，这时就可以说：
US politicians are backpedaling on the commitment to cut taxes.
这里 backpedal on 接的是“承诺”（commitment）

Under huge pressure from the public, local authorities backpedaled on their decision to open a chemical factory.
这里 backpedal on 接的是“decision”

backpedal在有的语境中还相当于“收回某人的话/ take one’s words back”
The product manager quickly backpedaled when asked to explain his proposal in detail.

backpedal 还有一个常见的替换同义词backtrack，意义和用法都很相似，《经济学人》在2016年一篇报道总统竞选的文章中就用到了backtrack：
“ I didn’t mean to attack people in New York. I love New York.” Ted Cruz, campaigning in New York, backtracks from his sneering comments about “New York Values”

翻译练习

在意大利时装品牌Dolce&Gabbana发布自己饱受争议的粗俗广告之后，很多中国艺人决定不再和它合作。
When famous Italian brand Dolce&Gabbana promotes it controversial advertisements. Many Chinese actor backpedal on their cooperation.

参考翻译
After Italian fashion brand Dolce&Gabbana published a highly controversial and offensive advertisement, many Chinese actors started to backpedal on their partnership with it.