fall back

• Reculer ou se déplacer en arrière vers une position plus sûre ou plus stable, souvent dans un contexte militaire, stratégique ou figuré. Peut aussi signifier se fier à quelque chose comme solution de repli ou option de secours.

To retreat, withdraw, or move back to a safer or more secure position, often used in military, strategic, or figurative contexts. Can also mean to rely on something as a backup option.

1. Retreat or withdrawB2formal

   To move back or away from a dangerous or difficult situation.

   se replier

   • The soldiers were ordered to fall back to a safer position.
   • When the storm intensified, the hikers decided to fall back to the cabin.
   • The team had to fall back after the initial attack failed.

2. Use as a reserveB2informal

   To rely on something as a backup or alternative plan.

   se rabattre sur

   • If the main plan fails, we can fall back on our savings.
   • She always has her teaching degree to fall back on.
   • They had no other option to fall back on when the deal collapsed.