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B2 noun 7 min de leitura

recul

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas recul em 30 segundos

Explicação recul in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'recul' often, but you might see it in very simple contexts related to movement. It's better to focus on the verb 'reculer' (to move back) first. If you encounter 'recul', just think of it as 'moving back'. For example, a car moving backward. You won't be expected to use the figurative meanings like 'perspective' yet. Just remember it's a masculine noun: 'le recul'. It is the opposite of 'avancée' (moving forward).

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At A2, you might start hearing 'recul' in simple news reports about the weather or very basic economic changes, like a 'recul des températures' (drop in temperatures). You should understand that it means something is going backward or decreasing. You might also see it in signs or instructions about safety, referring to the space behind something. It's a good time to start recognizing 'prendre du recul' as a phrase meaning 'to wait and think', even if you don't use it yourself yet.

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At B1, 'recul' becomes more useful. You are starting to express opinions and feelings. You can use 'prendre du recul' to explain why you need time to make a decision. 'J'ai besoin de prendre du recul sur cette situation.' You should also be able to understand it in the context of history lessons or news articles discussing simple trends. It is no longer just about a car backing up; it is about the distance between you and your problems.

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At B2, you are expected to use 'recul' with nuance. You should use it to discuss complex topics like the economy, social rights, and personal development. You should be comfortable with expressions like 'avec le recul' (with hindsight) and 'manquer de recul' (to lack perspective). You should recognize that in a formal essay, 'un recul' is a more sophisticated way to say 'une baisse' when talking about statistics. You understand that it implies a sense of regression or a necessary distance for analysis.

At C1, you use 'recul' to refine your arguments. You can discuss the 'recul critique' (critical distance) needed in academic research. You use the word to describe subtle shifts in societal values or long-term historical trends. You can use it in a variety of registers, from technical military descriptions to high-level philosophical discussions about the human condition. You understand the subtle difference between 'recul', 'repli', and 'déclin'.

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At C2, you have a total mastery of 'recul'. You can use it in literary analysis to describe a narrator's distance from the events. You might use it in scientific contexts to describe the recoil of atoms or in urban planning to discuss the 'recul' of coastlines due to erosion. You can play with the word's polysemy in creative writing or complex oratory. It becomes a precise tool for describing any form of backward movement, whether it's physical, temporal, or conceptual.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

recul em 30 segundos

Recul means a step back, either physically (recoil) or mentally (perspective).
It is a masculine noun often used with 'prendre' (to take) or 'avoir' (to have).
In business, it refers to a decline or drop in numbers or sales.
The expression 'avec le recul' is essential for saying 'in hindsight'.

The French word recul is a versatile masculine noun that primarily describes the act of moving backward, whether physically, temporally, or metaphorically. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical backward movement of an object, such as the recoil of a firearm or the movement of a car backing up. However, its most frequent usage in modern French—especially at the B2 level—is figurative. It represents the mental distance one takes from a situation to evaluate it more objectively. When a French speaker says they need du recul, they aren't necessarily walking away; they are seeking perspective.

Physical Recoil: In ballistics or mechanics, 'le recul' is the reaction force felt when a projectile is launched. It is the literal 'kick' of a gun. In a more general sense, it can describe any backward motion caused by an impact or a sudden stop.
Mental Perspective: This is perhaps the most common usage. 'Prendre du recul' means to step back from a problem to see the 'big picture.' It implies a temporary withdrawal to avoid being overwhelmed by emotions or immediate details.
Economic and Statistical Decline: In news reports, you will often hear about 'un recul des ventes' (a drop in sales) or 'le recul du chômage' (a decrease in unemployment). Here, it signifies a reduction in value, quantity, or intensity.

Après cette dispute, j'ai eu besoin de prendre un peu de recul pour réfléchir à nos erreurs respectives.

The word is also used in the context of history and time. 'Avec le recul' is a fixed expression meaning 'with the benefit of hindsight.' It suggests that as time passes, our understanding of past events changes because we are no longer in the thick of the action. This temporal distance allows for a more nuanced and accurate analysis of why things happened the way they did. For example, a political decision that seemed disastrous at the moment might be seen as visionary 'avec le recul de dix ans.'

Le recul de la banquise est une conséquence directe du réchauffement climatique.

In social contexts, 'recul' can also refer to a retreat or a withdrawal of rights or progress. 'Un recul social' refers to a situation where previously established social protections or rights are being diminished or taken away. This makes the word highly relevant in political discourse and sociological debates. It carries a heavy weight in these contexts, often implying a regression toward a less developed or less fair state of affairs.

Hindsight: The ability to understand an event only after it has happened. 'Le manque de recul' is a common criticism of people who act impulsively.

Using recul correctly requires understanding its collocations—the words it naturally hangs out with. Because it is a noun, it often follows verbs like prendre, avoir, or manquer de. Each of these combinations creates a specific nuance essential for B2-level fluency.

Prendre du recul: This is an active choice. It means to intentionally distance oneself. 'Il est important de prendre du recul par rapport à son travail pour éviter le burn-out.'
Manquer de recul: This describes a lack of perspective. 'Elle manque de recul sur la situation car elle est trop impliquée émotionnellement.'

Avec le recul, je me rends compte que j'aurais dû accepter cette offre d'emploi.

When talking about statistics or data, 'recul' is used with the preposition 'de'. For instance, 'un recul de 5%' means a 5% decrease. This is standard in business French and journalism. It is more formal than 'baisse' and often implies a structural or significant movement rather than a minor fluctuation.

L'entreprise a enregistré un recul significatif de son chiffre d'affaires ce trimestre.

In spatial descriptions, 'recul' can indicate the distance between two points, often used in architecture or urban planning. For example, 'le recul d'un bâtiment par rapport à la rue' refers to how far back a building is set from the sidewalk. This usage is more technical but demonstrates the word's root meaning of 'backward position.'

Avoir du recul: To possess the quality of being objective. 'C'est un analyste qui a beaucoup de recul sur les marchés financiers.'

If you listen to French news (like France Inter or Radio France), you will hear recul daily. It is the go-to word for journalists discussing social trends, economic shifts, and political analysis. In a debate, a commentator might argue that the government’s new policy represents a 'recul des libertés individuelles' (a setback for individual freedoms).

In the Workplace: Managers often use it during performance reviews or strategy meetings. They might ask employees to 'prendre du recul' before making a major decision. It sounds professional and thoughtful.
In Academia: Historians and scientists use it to describe the necessity of time passing before a phenomenon can be fully understood. 'Nous n'avons pas encore assez de recul pour juger les effets de cette technologie.'

Le recul de l'âge de la retraite est un sujet très sensible en France.

In everyday conversation, you'll hear it among friends when discussing personal problems. If a friend is going through a breakup, you might advise them: 'Tu devrais prendre un peu de recul pour y voir plus clair.' It is a supportive way to suggest that their current emotional state might be clouding their judgment.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing the noun recul with the verb reculer. While they share the same root, their usage is strictly different. You cannot say 'J'ai recul,' you must say 'J'ai pris du recul' or 'Je recule.'

Recul vs. Arrière: 'Arrière' is a direction (back/rear), whereas 'recul' is the action or state of having moved back. You go 'en arrière', but you take 'du recul'.
Gender Errors: 'Recul' is masculine. Many learners mistakenly make it feminine because many abstract nouns ending in 'e' or 'ion' are feminine. Remember: 'un grand recul', not 'une grande recul'.

Faux : Il a fait une recul avec sa voiture. Correct : Il a fait une marche arrière.

Another mistake is using 'recul' for a 'step back' in a physical sequence of steps. If you want someone to move one step back, you say 'Fais un pas en arrière.' Use 'recul' for the general concept of backing away or for the figurative distance.

Depending on the context, you might want to use synonyms to avoid repetition or to be more precise. The French language offers several alternatives for 'recul' depending on whether you mean a decrease, a withdrawal, or perspective.

Perspective vs. Recul: 'Perspective' is often a synonym for figurative 'recul'. However, 'perspective' focuses more on the view itself, while 'recul' focuses on the distance that creates the view.
Baisse vs. Recul: 'Baisse' is a general drop (e.g., temperatures). 'Recul' sounds more formal and is preferred in academic or economic contexts to describe a regression.
Retrait vs. Recul: 'Retrait' is a deliberate act of pulling something out or withdrawing (like a bank withdrawal or a military retreat). 'Recul' can be involuntary or more abstract.

Son détachement lui permet d'analyser la crise avec beaucoup de recul.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Despite its somewhat cheeky etymological origin involving the word for 'backside', 'recul' is a perfectly formal and sophisticated word in modern French.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ʁə.kyl/

US /rə.kyl/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-CUL.

Rima com

calcul incrédule pull bulle bascule pendule cellule pilule

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'u' like 'oo' (as in 'cool'). It should be 'u' as in 'tu'.
Pronouncing 're' like 'ray'. It should be a short 'uh' sound.
Making the 'l' too soft or silent.
Stress on the first syllable.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French one.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in newspapers and books, easy to recognize once known.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct preposition usage (sur, par rapport à).

Expressão oral 4/5

The 'u' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Audição 3/5

Frequently used in radio and TV news.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

reculer arrière distance baisser voir

Aprenda a seguir

perspective analyser hindsight (en français: rétrospective) regression progrès

Avançado

épistémologie objectivité conjoncture déclin repli

Gramática essencial

Nouns from verbs

reculer -> recul

Preposition 'sur' with recul

Prendre du recul sur son passé.

Partitive articles with abstract nouns

Il faut DU recul.

Adjective agreement with recul

Un recul significatif.

Preposition 'de' for percentages

Un recul de 5%.

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Exemplos por nível

Le recul de la voiture est lent.

The backing up of the car is slow.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Il y a un petit recul.

There is a small step back.

Use of 'un' for masculine noun.

Regarde le recul !

Look at the recoil!

Imperative form.

Le recul est nécessaire.

The step back is necessary.

Basic 'être' sentence.

Pas de recul ici.

No backing up here.

Negation without a verb.

Un recul de deux mètres.

A step back of two meters.

Measurement with 'de'.

C'est un recul.

It is a step back.

Demonstrative pronoun.

Le recul de l'eau.

The receding of the water.

Noun + preposition + noun.

Le recul des prix est une bonne nouvelle.

The drop in prices is good news.

Abstract noun usage.

Il a fait un recul avec son vélo.

He moved backward with his bike.

Using 'faire' with 'recul'.

On voit un recul de la neige.

We see a retreat of the snow.

Observational sentence.

Le recul du mur est important.

The setback of the wall is important.

Physical distance.

Elle a besoin de recul.

She needs perspective.

Introduction to figurative meaning.

Le recul de l'armée était rapide.

The army's retreat was fast.

Historical/Action context.

Il n'y a pas assez de recul pour garer la voiture.

There isn't enough space to back the car in.

Quantifier 'assez de'.

Le recul du glacier est visible.

The retreat of the glacier is visible.

Environmental context.

Je dois prendre du recul avant de décider.

I must take some perspective before deciding.

The most common collocation 'prendre du recul'.

Avec le recul, je comprends mon erreur.

With hindsight, I understand my mistake.

Fixed expression 'avec le recul'.

Il manque de recul sur son propre travail.

He lacks perspective on his own work.

Expression 'manquer de recul'.

Le recul de l'inflation est encourageant.

The decline in inflation is encouraging.

Economic terminology.

Prenez un peu de recul pour voir tout le tableau.

Step back a bit to see the whole painting.

Literal and figurative blend.

Ce projet a connu un léger recul.

This project experienced a slight setback.

Using 'connaître' with 'recul'.

Le recul de la démocratie inquiète les experts.

The decline of democracy worries experts.

Political context.

Nous avons enfin le recul nécessaire pour juger.

We finally have the necessary hindsight to judge.

Adjective 'nécessaire' modifying 'recul'.

Il faut savoir prendre du recul face aux critiques.

One must know how to take a step back in the face of criticism.

Infinitive construction 'savoir prendre'.

Le recul de l'activité économique impacte les emplois.

The decline in economic activity impacts jobs.

Formal cause-and-effect sentence.

Cette loi marque un recul des droits des travailleurs.

This law marks a setback for workers' rights.

Strong political verb 'marquer'.

Il a analysé la situation avec beaucoup de recul.

He analyzed the situation with a lot of perspective.

Adverbial phrase 'avec beaucoup de'.

Le fusil a un recul très puissant.

The rifle has a very powerful recoil.

Technical/Physical usage.

Le recul des ventes est dû à la concurrence.

The drop in sales is due to competition.

Passive-like construction 'est dû à'.

Sans recul, on risque de prendre de mauvaises décisions.

Without perspective, one risks making bad decisions.

Prepositional phrase 'sans recul'.

Le recul du trait de côte est alarmant.

The retreat of the coastline is alarming.

Specific environmental term 'trait de côte'.

L'historien manque de recul temporel pour conclure.

The historian lacks the temporal distance to conclude.

Use of 'temporel' as a qualifier.

L'œuvre témoigne d'un recul par rapport au réalisme.

The work shows a distancing from realism.

Artistic/Literary analysis.

Ce n'est pas un progrès, mais un véritable recul social.

It is not progress, but a real social regression.

Contrastive structure.

Elle observe ses propres émotions avec un certain recul.

She observes her own emotions with a certain detachment.

Psychological nuance.

Le recul de la banquise s'accélère chaque année.

The retreat of the sea ice is accelerating every year.

Scientific observation.

Il a fallu dix ans pour avoir le recul nécessaire.

It took ten years to have the necessary hindsight.

Impersonal 'il a fallu'.

Le recul stratégique a permis de sauver des vies.

The strategic retreat allowed lives to be saved.

Military strategy.

Le recul de l'État dans certains secteurs est critiqué.

The withdrawal of the State in certain sectors is criticized.

Political science context.

L'objectivité absolue suppose un recul total du sujet.

Absolute objectivity presupposes a total distancing of the subject.

Philosophical abstraction.

L'élasticité du matériau compense le recul mécanique.

The elasticity of the material compensates for the mechanical recoil.

Engineering terminology.

Le recul de la forêt primaire est une tragédie écologique.

The retreat of the primary forest is an ecological tragedy.

High-level ecological discourse.

Une analyse sans recul critique est souvent biaisée.

An analysis without critical distance is often biased.

Epistemological context.

Le recul des valeurs traditionnelles divise la société.

The decline of traditional values divides society.

Sociological observation.

L'auteur maintient un recul ironique tout au long du récit.

The author maintains an ironic distance throughout the narrative.

Literary criticism.

Le recul de la marée a révélé des vestiges anciens.

The ebbing of the tide revealed ancient remains.

Poetic/Descriptive usage.

Il s'agit d'un recul épistémologique majeur.

It is a major epistemological setback.

Very formal academic register.

Colocações comuns

Prendre du recul

Manquer de recul

Avec le recul

Un recul significatif

Avoir du recul

Recul social

Recul de la banquise

Un recul de 10%

Prendre un peu de recul

Manque de recul critique

Frases Comuns

Prendre de la distance

— To emotionally or physically distance oneself from something.

Il a pris de la distance avec sa famille.

Prendre du champ

— To move back to get a better view, often used in photography or strategy.

Le photographe a pris du champ.

Faire marche arrière

— To reverse a vehicle or to change a decision.

Le gouvernement a fait marche arrière sur cette taxe.

Prendre de la hauteur

— To look at a situation from a higher, more philosophical level.

Il faut prendre de la hauteur face aux petits tracas.

Mettre les choses en perspective

— To evaluate things in relation to other factors.

Il faut mettre ce problème en perspective.

Faire un pas en arrière

— To literally step back or to pause progress.

Fais un pas en arrière pour ne pas tomber.

Le bénéfice du recul

— The advantage of having time to think about something past.

Le bénéfice du recul nous permet d'être plus sages.

Un bond en arrière

— A large step backward, usually negative.

C'est un bond en arrière pour la technologie.

Sans aucun recul

— Without any thought or objectivity.

Il a réagi sans aucun recul.

Gagner du recul

— To obtain more space or time to evaluate.

Cette pause m'a permis de gagner du recul.

Frequentemente confundido com

recul vs reculer

Reculer is the verb (to move back), recul is the noun (the step back).

recul vs arrière

Arrière is a direction/location, recul is the concept of distance/movement.

recul vs retrait

Retrait is a specific withdrawal, recul is a more general backward movement.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Prendre du recul pour mieux sauter"

— To step back in order to gain momentum for a better leap forward.

Parfois, il faut prendre du recul pour mieux sauter dans sa carrière.

Proverbial

"Avoir le nez dans le guidon"

— To be so busy and focused on the immediate task that you lack 'recul'.

Je ne peux pas réfléchir, j'ai le nez dans le guidon.

Informal

"Prendre ses distances"

— To become less involved or friendly with someone.

Elle a pris ses distances avec son ancien groupe.

Neutral

"Voir midi à sa porte"

— To see things only from one's own narrow perspective (lacking 'recul').

Chacun voit midi à sa porte dans cette affaire.

Idiomatic

"Avoir la tête froide"

— To stay calm and keep perspective (having 'recul').

Il faut garder la tête froide pendant la crise.

Neutral

"Faire le vide"

— To clear one's head to gain 'recul'.

Je pars à la montagne pour faire le vide.

Neutral

"Prendre de la graine"

— To learn from a situation (often implies having 'recul' later).

Tu devrais en prendre de la graine.

Informal

"Remettre les pendules à l'heure"

— To clarify a situation, often after taking 'recul'.

Il est temps de remettre les pendules à l'heure.

Neutral

"Ne pas voir plus loin que le bout de son nez"

— To lack foresight or perspective.

Il ne voit pas plus loin que le bout de son nez.

Informal

"Prendre son temps"

— To not rush, allowing for 'recul'.

Prends ton temps pour réfléchir.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

recul vs Reculade

Similar sound and root.

Reculade is specifically a shameful or cowardly retreat.

Sa reculade devant le patron était gênante.

recul vs Déclin

Both mean a decrease.

Déclin is a long-term fading away; recul can be a temporary step back.

Le déclin de l'empire romain.

recul vs Baisse

Both mean a drop.

Baisse is more common for prices/weather; recul is more abstract or technical.

La baisse des prix.

recul vs Régression

Both imply going backward.

Régression is often scientific or implies a loss of quality/development.

Une régression mentale.

recul vs Détachement

Both imply distance.

Détachement is an emotional state; recul is a mental tool.

Il montre un grand détachement.

Padrões de frases

J'ai besoin de [recul].

J'ai besoin de recul.

Prendre du [recul] sur [quelque chose].

Prendre du recul sur son travail.

Avec le [recul], [phrase].

Avec le recul, je suis content.

Un [recul] de [nombre] %.

Un recul de 10%.

Manquer de [recul] [adjectif].

Manquer de recul critique.

Marquer un [recul] de [nom].

Marquer un recul des droits.

Le [recul] de [phénomène] s'explique par...

Le recul de la banquise s'explique par le climat.

Observer avec un certain [recul].

Observer avec un certain recul.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

reculade (a cowardly retreat)

recul (the main noun)

Verbos

reculer (to move back)

reculer devant (to hesitate)

Adjetivos

reculé (remote/distant)

irréculable (rare, meaning impossible to move back)

Relacionado

arrière

rétrograde

perspective

distance

baisse

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Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written French.

Erros comuns

J'ai besoin de reculer. → J'ai besoin de recul.
You need the noun, not the verb, to express the concept of perspective.
Une grande recul. → Un grand recul.
'Recul' is masculine.
Avec le recule... → Avec le recul...
Don't add an 'e' at the end of the noun.
Il a fait un recul. → Il a reculé / Il a fait une marche arrière.
'Faire un recul' is rarely used for physical movement; use the verb or 'marche arrière'.
Le recul de 5 dollars. → Une baisse de 5 dollars.
'Recul' is usually for percentages or abstract trends, not specific currency amounts.

Dicas

Use with 'Prendre'

Whenever you want to say 'step back' metaphorically, use 'prendre du recul'. It's a standard B2 phrase.

Gender Check

Always remember 'recul' is masculine. 'Un recul', 'le recul'.

Formal Contexts

Use 'recul' in business writing to describe a decrease in profits to sound more sophisticated than 'baisse'.

The 'U' Sound

Don't let the 'u' sound like 'oo'. It's the same sound as in 'tu' or 'vu'.

Hindsight

Memorize 'Avec le recul' as a single unit. It's extremely useful for storytelling.

Environmental Use

Use it when talking about glaciers or coastlines ('recul des glaciers').

Advice

Telling someone 'Tu devrais prendre du recul' is a polite way to say they are being too emotional.

Critical Distance

In essays, use 'recul critique' to describe objective analysis.

Recoil

If you play video games or shoot, 'le recul' is the kick of the gun.

Not a physical step

Don't use it for 'one step back' (un pas en arrière).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Recoil' (recul). When a gun recoils, it moves back. When you take 'recul', your mind moves back to see better.

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing too close to a giant 'E' on an eye chart. They have to take a 'recul' to see the whole letter.

Word Web

perspective hindsight decline recoil distance objectivity retreat regression

Desafio

Try to use 'avec le recul' in your next French conversation when talking about a past holiday or a mistake you made.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the verb 'reculer', which comes from the Old French 're-' (back) + 'cul' (backside/bottom).

Significado original: Literally 'to move back on one's bottom'.

Romance (Latin root 'culus').

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be careful with 'reculade' as it implies cowardice.

English speakers often say 'step back' or 'hindsight', but 'recul' is more versatile as it covers both.

The song 'Recul' by various French indie artists. Political slogans about 'le recul des droits'. Philosophical essays on 'le recul de la pensée'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Personal Life

Prendre du recul
Manquer de recul
Besoin de recul
Prendre de la distance

Business/Economy

Recul des ventes
Recul du marché
En recul de X%
Recul de l'activité

Politics/Society

Recul social
Recul des droits
Recul démocratique
Recul de l'État

History

Avec le recul
Recul historique
Manque de recul temporel
Le recul du temps

Science/Physics

Le recul du fusil
Force de recul
Recul des glaciers
Recul du trait de côte

Iniciadores de conversa

"Penses-tu qu'il est facile de prendre du recul pendant une dispute ?"

"Avec le recul, quel est le meilleur conseil que tu aies jamais reçu ?"

"Est-ce que tu manques parfois de recul sur tes propres décisions ?"

"Pourquoi le recul des ventes inquiète-t-il autant les entreprises ?"

"Comment peut-on gagner du recul quand on a 'le nez dans le guidon' ?"

Temas para diário

Décris une situation où tu as dû prendre du recul pour réussir.

Réfléchis à une erreur passée : avec le recul, qu'aurais-tu fait différemment ?

Le recul social est-il une réalité dans ton pays aujourd'hui ?

Pourquoi est-il difficile d'avoir du recul sur soi-même ?

Analyse l'importance du recul historique dans la compréhension du présent.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No. While it can mean a decline (negative), 'prendre du recul' is usually seen as a positive, wise action to gain perspective.

Yes, you can say 'le recul de la voiture', but 'la marche arrière' is more common for the action of reversing.

The opposite is usually 'avancée' (advancement) or 'progrès' (progress).

The best way is to use the phrase 'Avec le recul'.

It depends. 'Manquer DE recul' (lack of) vs 'Prendre DU recul' (some perspective).

Yes, 'recul temporel' refers to the distance in time from an event.

Sometimes, to describe a team being pushed back or a player moving away from the ball.

It means doing something impulsively or without thinking about the consequences.

Yes, 'un recul des prix' is formal and correct.

Yes, it is very common in newspapers, literature, and professional settings.

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