His statement is seen as an attempt to 'climb down' [='back away'] from the strong denial he made yesterday.
a 'climbing plant' [=a plant that attaches itself to something, such as a wall, as it grows up it]
The players 'climbed' into their uniforms [=put on their uniforms] and headed for the field.
(..) and darts and baking.* *Papier-m'ch', a bit of ballet, and chess.* *Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch. Take a climb, sew a dress, and I'll re-read the books.* *If I have time to spare, I'll paint the wall some more, I'm sure there's room somewhere.* *And then I'll brush, and brush, and brush, (..)2010 Tangled