retract what one said; change form of address
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to retract one's statement; to change one's tune; to correct oneself
Used when someone realizes they have made a mistake in what they said and wishes to correct it.
He realized he had said something wrong, so he quickly corrected himself.
Faced with the reporter's pressing questions, he had no choice but to retract his statement.
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At first he denied knowing that person, but later he changed his tune and admitted it.
verb
to change one's form of address; to address someone differently
Used when relationships change (e.g., after marriage) and one must switch from one title to another.
Having gotten used to calling her 'sister,' it feels really awkward to now have to change to calling her 'sister-in-law.'
After getting married, the groom must change his form of address and call his father-in-law 'Dad.'
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The child has grown up and changed how he addresses her, no longer saying 'Mommy' but 'Mom.'