back water

back water

To reverse direction suddenly, as on an opinion or stance on some subject. Refers to nautical terminology in which the oars of a ship or boat are reversed in the water so as to halt or change the course of the vessel. With public pressure mounting, the government is expected to back water on the new legislation.
See also: back, water
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

back water

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]
See also: back, water
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • four sheets in the wind
  • four sheets to the wind
  • two sheets to the wind
  • sail before the wind
  • come on board
  • three sheets
  • three sheets in the wind
  • three sheets to the wind
  • four sheets
  • both sheets in the wind
References in classic literature
Where the mangroves ceased, and where high ground and a beaten runway came down to the water's edge, Van Horn motioned the rowers to back water and lay on their oars.
Jerry of the Islands
It was on a back water surrounded by scrub and forest, with a pretty border of smelly mud on one side, and on the three others inclosed by a crazy fence of rushes.
Heart of Darkness
This sorry state of affairs is not only creating inconvenience to the people in the village but also holding back water from those that desperately need it.
Plight of farmers
It has also announced plans to build a visitor centre, cafe and facilities to bring back water sports and sailing boats to the reservoir.
Refilling of reservoir to start soon
IN the Brexit madness why does the border between Ireland (population barely five million - less than Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, according to Wikipedia) and Northern Ireland (population 1.5 million) take centre stage - when in fact it's a back water ?
Why is Irish border so important?
The company said it had started to augment the supply in reservoirs so it could bring back water service to the affected areas.
Manila Water apologizes for sudden service interruption
The Karkheh Dam in Iran is holding back water that would normally flow into the wetland.
Dried wetland burns furiously
Only three days back water level of Tarbela dam was almost three feet above dead level .
Tarbela dam water level increases to 1400.81 cusec feet
'The contradiction with our leaders of today is that while United Kingdom and United States that have earlier privatised their water more than 30 years ago are currently taking back water from private hands, Nigerian leaders are shamelessly pursuing the policy.
Labour must rise to demand good governance, defend Nigerians -AUPCTRE President
"If they attempt to bring back water charges by the back door, we believe there will be huge resistance."
Water tax warning; Protest alert on charges by stealth
It is in a popular back water position, yet within easy reach of the city centre and other areas of interest around.
A buzz about this cottage
In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Some scientists fear a disaster waiting to happen when Houston's perfect storm comes, Mexico pays back water debt to U.S.
New in Trib+Water: Waiting on the Big One in Houston
Authorities said the dam was built to hold back water and residue from mining operations, a mixture that can often be toxic.
Dam bursts in southeastern Brazil; fears of possible dead
Women and children have to walk miles every day to carry back water for the family.
Lok Virsa holds award ceremony of heritage photo contest