Back Seat Dodge

Back Seat Dodge is a psychological tactic where someone intentionally delays or avoids responsibility or action, often appearing to cooperate while subtly resisting or stalling. The term suggests that a person is figuratively sitting in the "back seat," not actively driving decisions or commitments, thus avoiding accountability or immediate outcomes. This behavior can be used to buy time, reduce pressure, or avoid making a difficult choice, often leading others to feel they are being misled or stalled deliberately. Recognizing it involves observing inconsistent behavior, delays, or evasive responses in negotiations or interactions.