Support friend grabbing editor to issue retractions? (4,5)
I believe the answer is:
back-pedal
'to issue retractions?' is the definition.
'support friend' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'back' (back is a kind of support).
'friend' becomes 'pedal' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'back'+'pedal'='BACK-PEDAL'
'grabbing editor' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for back-pedal that I've seen before include "Reverse decision or commitment - while on bike?" , "Try to reverse decision - while on bicycle?" , "Reverse attitude - on bicycle?" , "Modify one's opinion" , "Reverse previous decision - while cycling?" .)