French Conversation · Level 141
30 words
French word
rabattre
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁabatʁ/
Meaning
- verbfall back on
Example
Il faut se rabattre sur une solution moins coûteuse.
We have to fall back on a less expensive solution.
More examples
Après l'échec du projet, ils ont dû se rabattre sur le plan B.
After the project failed, they had to fall back on plan B.
Core concept
A moving part folds back toward a lower position, like a decision narrowing toward a less preferred but available choice.
Common phrases
se rabattre sur le plan B
fall back on plan B
se rabattre sur l'aide d'un ami
fall back on a friend's help
se rabattre sur l'assistance sociale
fall back on social assistance
Similar words
recourir à: To make use of a means or service when circumstances require it.
se tourner vers: To seek help or information from someone or something.
se contenter de: To accept a less desirable option when the original wish cannot be fulfilled.
opter pour: To select one option among several.
Definition in French
Replier ou abaisser quelque chose. Se rabattre sur quelque chose : se résoudre à utiliser ou accepter une option restante faute d'alternative.
Word origin
The verb joins re- to abattre, whose older physical meaning involves bringing something down, and later applies this downward movement to a fallback choice.
Usage tips
- The preposition sur is fixed in this construction, so se rabattre sur une option means to fall back on an option, not to fall back from it.
Other meanings
- fold downverb
- lowerverb
- drive backverb