climb down

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   An abandonment, withdrawal from, or softening of a previously expressed opinion, policy, argument, etc.
2. 2
   Alternative form of climb down.

Verb

1. 1
   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see climb, down.
2. 2
   To abandon, withdraw from, or soften a previously expressed opinion, argument, etc.