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    Reculer (en. To move back)

    [ʁ(ə)kyle]

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Move something or someone backward.
    He had to reverse his car to park.
    Il a dû reculer sa voiture pour se garer.
    Avoid a fight or confrontation.
    He decided to back down in the face of provocation.
    Il a décidé de reculer face à la provocation.
    Take a step back, literally or figuratively.
    After examining the situation, she retracted her decision.
    Après avoir examiné la situation, elle a reculé sur sa décision.

    Etymology

    From the Latin verb 'reculare', composed of 're-' (back) and 'culare' (to bend).

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to back down in front of something
    Hesitate or step back in the face of a difficulty.
    reculer devant quelque chose
    to retreat stealthily
    Move cautiously, without making noise.
    reculer à pas de loup
    to step back to better leap forward
    Take a step back to move forward better afterwards.
    reculer pour mieux sauter

    Related Words

    recul
    A movement backward.
    recul
    reculade
    The action of retreating or falling back.
    reculade
    to back against
    To resist pressure or opposition.
    reculer contre

    Slang Meanings

    To be hesitant or lack courage.
    In this situation, he backed down.
    Dans cette situation, il a fait le reculer.
    To flee or escape from a difficult situation.
    He completely backed down from the consequences.
    Il a complètement reculé devant les conséquences.