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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

walk back the cat en · VERB

Meanings

  1. To reconstruct the sequence of events in order to identify the point of failure in an operation and ascertain responsibility.
    • Bernhard had been called back to headquarters for a conference, a general review of current operations with special attention to methods and sources, connecting dots while they walked back the cat, a dispirited and dispiriting exercise. 2007, Ward Just, Forgetfulness, page 110:
  2. To back down; to adopt a position where one is more willing to compromise.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
walking back the cat Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
walk the cat back alternative lexicographic
walked back the cat Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
walked back the cat Tense=Past lexicographic
walks back the cat Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic