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.
(..) Take that! Oh, no! Sid! Get down! What's gotten into you? I was... You are the one that decided to climb into this... The claw, it moves. I have been chosen! Farewell, my friends. I go on to a better place. Gotcha! (..)1995 Toy Story
(..) will return to its port of origin once it jettisons its food supply? And when we get there, we'll be able to find a way to transport you home. -Well, then, let's climb aboard. -No, no, no, wait, Buzz! Buzz! Let's get in the back. No one will see us there. Negative. There are no restraining (..)1995 Toy Story