Definition
A thrust reverser lever setting in which the reversers are deployed (the engine exhaust is redirected forward) but engine power is held at idle, producing a small amount of reverse thrust without any added thrust from increased engine power.
Plain English
The reversers are open and pointing the exhaust forward, but the engines are only running at idle, so you get a gentle braking effect rather than full reverse thrust.
Context Anchor
Encountered during landing rollout on airplanes equipped with thrust reversers, before increasing reverse thrust after touchdown.
Derivation
Idle comes from an old word meaning inactive or not working hard. Reverse comes from Latin roots meaning to turn back. Together, the phrase points to reverse being selected while the engine is still not working hard.
Why Pilots Care
It provides controlled deceleration that reduces brake wear and helps manage stopping distance without full reverse thrust.
Intuition Check
Idle does not mean the engine is off. Reverse does not automatically mean strong braking. In the idle reverse position, reverse mode is selected, but power is still low.
Example Sentence 1
After the nosewheel touched down, the captain selected idle reverse before progressing to full reverse thrust.
Example Sentence 2
During long taxi segments the crew kept the reversers in idle reverse position to reduce brake temperature.