prendre du recul

/pʁɑ̃dʁ dy ʁəkyl/
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To step back mentally from a situation to judge it more clearly.

Examples

  • Il faut prendre du recul face aux critiques.
    We must step back from the criticism.
  • Ce voyage lui a permis de prendre du recul.
    The trip helped him gain perspective.
  • Elle a pris du recul avant de répondre.
    She stepped back before replying.
  • J’ai besoin de prendre du recul.
    I need to gain some perspective.
  • Prenons du recul sur cette dispute.
    Let’s get some perspective on this argument.

Similar words

prendre du champ
prendre de la distance
relativiser

Meanings

Gain perspective

judgment
neutral
To step back mentally from a situation to judge it more clearly.

Examples

  • J’ai besoin de prendre du recul.
    I need to gain some perspective.
  • Elle a pris du recul avant de répondre.
    She stepped back before replying.
  • Prenons du recul sur cette dispute.
    Let’s get some perspective on this argument.
  • Ce voyage lui a permis de prendre du recul.
    The trip helped him gain perspective.
  • Il faut prendre du recul face aux critiques.
    We must step back from the criticism.

Similar words

Etymology

Prendre indique une action et recul une distance vers l’arrière : la distance physique devient une image du détachement mental.

FAQ

What does prendre du recul mean?

To step back mentally from a situation to judge it more clearly.

How is prendre du recul used?

Often follows stress or emotional involvement.

What is a typical example?

J’ai besoin de prendre du recul.

What grammatical kind is it?

an idiomatic expression

What nuance does it add?

It means changing viewpoint, not retreating from duty.

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