French is a beautiful language, rich with unique phrases and idioms that can add color to speech and writing. Understanding these idioms can provide deeper insight into the French culture and make learning the language more enjoyable. Here are some common French idioms and their meanings:
Coûter les yeux de la tête – This phrase literally translates to “cost the eyes of the head,” but it means something is very expensive.
Ce nouveau téléphone coûte les yeux de la tête.
Poser un lapin à quelqu’un – Literally meaning “to put a rabbit on someone,” this idiom means to stand someone up or not show up for a meeting.
Il m’a posé un lapin hier soir.
Mettre son grain de sel – This translates to “put one’s grain of salt” but the meaning is to give an unsolicited opinion.
Elle aime toujours mettre son grain de sel dans nos conversations.
Faire la grasse matinée – This phrase means “to have a fat morning,” which is a colorful way of saying to sleep in.
Dimanche dernier, j’ai fait la grasse matinée jusqu’à 11 heures.
Couper la poire en deux – Literally means “to cut the pear in two,” but it is used to describe reaching a compromise.
Pour résoudre le problème, il faut couper la poire en deux.
Tomber dans les pommes – This idiom translates to “fall in the apples,” which means to faint or pass out.
Il a tellement couru qu’il est tombé dans les pommes.
Avoir le cafard – Literally meaning “to have the cockroach,” this phrase is used to say someone is feeling down or depressed.
Depuis qu’il a perdu son emploi, il a le cafard.
Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard – This translates to “it doesn’t break three legs on a duck,” meaning it’s nothing to write home about or not very impressive.
Le film était bien, mais ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
Marcher sur des œufs – Translates to “walking on eggs,” and it means to tread lightly or be very careful.
Avec le nouveau directeur, nous marchons tous sur des œufs.
Passer une nuit blanche – Literally meaning “to spend a white night,” this idiom is used to describe staying up all night, usually because of worry or work.
J’ai passé une nuit blanche à finir ce projet.
Appeler un chat un chat – This translates to “to call a cat a cat,” which means to speak openly and frankly, calling things as they are.
Je vais appeler un chat un chat, ce travail n’est pas bon.
Tirer son chapeau – Literally “to pull one’s hat,” this means to express admiration or congratulations.
Tu as gagné la compétition, je tire mon chapeau.
Avoir un poil dans la main – This idiom translates to “having a hair in the hand,” and it is used to describe someone who is very lazy.
Il ne veut jamais aider; il a vraiment un poil dans la main.
En faire tout un fromage – Literally meaning “to make a whole cheese out of it,” this idiom describes making a big deal out of something.
Elle en fait tout un fromage juste parce que j’ai oublié de fermer la porte.
Understanding these idioms not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives you a glimpse into the French way of expression and culture. Practice using them in context to better appreciate their usage and to sound more like a native speaker.
