reculons

Reculons is the first-person plural present indicative form of the French verb reculer, meaning to move backward, to retreat, or to withdraw. In usage, it covers literal backward movement as well as figurative retreats, such as changing direction, stepping back from a decision, or reconsidering a position.

As a common verb, reculer follows the regular -er conjugation pattern. The present tense forms are: je recule, tu recules, il recule, nous reculons, vous reculez, ils reculent. Consequently, reculons is used whenever the subject is “we” and the action is taking place in the present. The form can appear in narrative, dialogue, or instruction, and it can also function as an exhortation or suggestion in the sense of “let us retreat” or “let us step back,” for example in a risky situation: Reculons de quelques pas pour évaluer le terrain.

Semantics extend beyond physical movement to include strategic or rhetorical contexts. Phrases often describe backing away from a proposal, postponing plans, or lowering expectations, such as “Reculons nos ambitions” or “Reculons face à la tempête.” The term does not have a separate lexical entry as a noun; it remains a verb form tied to reculer.

In summary, reculons indicates a collective, present-time action of moving back, whether tangible or figurative, and is one of several present-tense forms that illustrate the regular conjugation of the French verb reculer. See also reculer, recul, and related conjugations for broader context.