Meaning
To reconsider a situation, withdraw from a confrontation, or pause to reflect.
Cultural Background
In France, 'le recul' is seen as a sign of intelligence. Rushing into a decision is often viewed as 'amateurish'. In Quebec, the phrase is common but sometimes competes with 'prendre du recul' or even the English-influenced 'reculer'. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is used in formal diplomacy and community mediation to encourage peace. Belgian French uses this phrase frequently in the complex world of coalition politics to find compromises.
The 'Faire' Rule
Always remember that French 'makes' steps, it doesn't 'take' them. If you say 'prendre un pas', people will understand, but they will know you are translating from English.
Don't sound like a car
Avoid 'faire marche arrière' unless you are talking about a literal vehicle or a total policy reversal. It sounds more mechanical and less intellectual.
Meaning
To reconsider a situation, withdraw from a confrontation, or pause to reflect.
The 'Faire' Rule
Always remember that French 'makes' steps, it doesn't 'take' them. If you say 'prendre un pas', people will understand, but they will know you are translating from English.
Don't sound like a car
Avoid 'faire marche arrière' unless you are talking about a literal vehicle or a total policy reversal. It sounds more mechanical and less intellectual.
Use it in negotiations
In a French negotiation, saying 'Faisons un pas en arrière' is a very polite way to say 'I don't agree with the current direction, let's restart the discussion'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'faire'.
Il faut que nous ________ un pas en arrière pour comprendre.
After 'Il faut que', you must use the subjunctive mood.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a figurative sense?
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase to mean 'evaluating a plan', which is the figurative sense.
Complete the dialogue.
A: On se dispute trop sur ce projet. B: Tu as raison. ________.
'Faisons un pas en arrière' is the standard idiom for de-escalating and reflecting.
Match the situation to the intent of using the phrase.
Situation: A CEO tells his board, 'Faisons un pas en arrière.'
In a boardroom, this phrase is a call for strategic reflection.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl faut que nous ________ un pas en arrière pour comprendre.
After 'Il faut que', you must use the subjunctive mood.
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase to mean 'evaluating a plan', which is the figurative sense.
A: On se dispute trop sur ce projet. B: Tu as raison. ________.
'Faisons un pas en arrière' is the standard idiom for de-escalating and reflecting.
Situation: A CEO tells his board, 'Faisons un pas en arrière.'
In a boardroom, this phrase is a call for strategic reflection.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot usually. While it involves 'retreating', it is almost always framed as a wise, strategic move to gain clarity.
Yes, it is perfectly correct to use it literally, like when asking someone to move back so you can close a door.
'Faire un pas en arrière' is the action of distancing yourself. 'Prendre du recul' is the act of gaining the perspective that comes from that distance. They are 90% interchangeable.
Use 'avoir': 'J'ai fait un pas en arrière.' The word 'fait' does not change.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, adding 'deux' (two) or 'plusieurs' (several) emphasizes that you are taking a significant distance.
'Reculer' is just the verb 'to move back'. 'Faire un pas en arrière' is more idiomatic and often implies a more deliberate, thoughtful action.
Not a direct one, but 'se calmer' or 'se poser' are used in similar contexts informally.
Yes, it's a common 'soft' way to suggest a break or slowing down without saying 'it's over'.
'Faire un pas en avant' (to take a step forward/to make progress).
Related Phrases
Prendre du recul
synonymTo gain perspective
Reculer pour mieux sauter
builds onTo retreat to gain momentum
Faire marche arrière
similarTo reverse or backtrack
Lâcher prise
contrastTo let go
