This is a modern-English version of French Idioms and Proverbs: A Companion to Deshumbert's "Dictionary of Difficulties", originally written by V. Payen-Payne, de (Vinchelés Payen-Payne).
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OTHER WORKS BY THIS AUTHOR
JULES SANDEAU. La Roche aux Mouettes (Extracts). [Nutt’s
Short French Readers, 6d.]
JULES SANDEAU. Seagull Rock (Extracts). [Nutt’s Short French Readers, 6d.]
THÉOPHILE GAUTIER. Voyage en Italie. [Cambridge
University Press, 3s.]
THÉOPHILE GAUTIER. Traveling in Italy. [Cambridge University Press, 3s.]
ÉMILE SOUVESTRE. Le Philosophe sous les toits (Extracts).
[Blackie’s Little French Classics, 4d.]
ÉMILE SOUVESTRE. The Philosopher in the Rooftops (Extracts).
[Blackie’s Little French Classics, 4d.]
PIERRE CŒUR. L’Âme de Beethoven. [Siepmann’s French
Series. Macmillan, 2s.]
PIERRE CŒUR. Beethoven's Spirit. [Siepmann’s French Series. Macmillan, 2s.]
FRENCH IDIOMS AND PROVERBS
“Omne epigramma sit instar apis; sit aculeus illi,
Sint sua mella, sit et corporis exigui.”
Martial.
“Every epigram should be like a bee; it should have its sting,”
"It has its own honey and is also small in size."
Martial.
[Thus Englished by Archbishop Trench:
Translated by Archbishop Trench:
“Three things must epigrams, like bees, have all;
Its sting, its honey, and its body small.”]
Epigrams, like bees, must have three things;
Its sting, its honey, and its tiny body.”
[And thus by my friend, Mr. F. Storr:
[And so by my friend, Mr. F. Storr:]
“An epigram’s a bee: ’tis small, has wings
Of wit, a heavy bag of humour, and it stings.”]
“An epigram is like a bee: it's small, it has wings
"A lot of cleverness, a hefty dose of humor, and it hurts."
“Celebre dictum, scita quapiam novitate insigne.”
Erasmus.
"Famous saying, known for its unique insight."
Erasmus.
“The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered in its
proverbs.”—Bacon.
The intelligence, humor, and character of a nation are revealed in its proverbs.—Bacon.
“The people’s voice the voice of God we call;
And what are proverbs but the people’s voice?”
James Howell.
"The voice of the people is the voice of God;"
"And what are proverbs if not the voice of the people?"
James Howell.
“What oft was thought, but ne’er so well expressed.”
Pope, Essay on Criticism.
What people often thought but never said so clearly.
Pope, Essay on Criticism.
“The wit of one man, the wisdom of many.”—Lord John
Russell (Quarterly Review, Sept. 1850).
The cleverness of one person, the knowledge of many.”—Lord John Russell (Quarterly Review, Sept. 1850).
FRENCH IDIOMS AND PROVERBS
French sayings and proverbs
A COMPANION TO DESHUMBERT’S
“DICTIONARY OF DIFFICULTIES”
“DICTIONARY OF CHALLENGES”
PRINCIPAL OF KENSINGTON COACHING COLLEGE
ASSISTANT EXAMINER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
PRINCIPAL OF KENSINGTON COACHING COLLEGE
ASSISTANT EXAMINER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
FOURTH REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION
Fourth Revised and Expanded Edition
LONDON
DAVID NUTT, 57-59 LONG ACRE
1905
LONDON
DAVID NUTT, 57-59 LONG ACRE
1905
“The more you love your dog, the more you feed it,
As short as the song may be,
As long as it bears fruit, it will rot,
No matter how much you fight, the spot is taken.
So long we delay, that action must be taken,
So much haste leads to bad outcomes,
The more one embraces, the more one seizes the moment,
"The more you shout Merry Christmas, the closer it gets."
Villon, Ballade des Proverbes.
Villon, Ballad of Proverbs.
PREFACE
In this edition I have endeavoured to keep down additions as much
as possible, so as not to overload the book; but I have not been
sparing in adding cross-references (especially in the Index) and
quotations from standard authors. These quotations seldom give
the first occasion on which a proverb has been used, as in most
cases it is impossible to find it.
In this edition, I've tried to limit additions as much as possible to avoid overloading the book. However, I haven't hesitated to include cross-references (especially in the Index) and quotes from well-known authors. These quotes rarely provide the first instance of a proverb’s usage, as in most cases, it's impossible to track that down.
I have placed an asterisk before all recognised proverbs; these
will serve as a first course for those students who do not wish
to read through the whole book at once. In a few cases I have
added explanations of English proverbs; during the eleven years
I have been using the book I have frequently found that pupils
were, for instance, as ignorant of “to bell the cat” as they were
of “attacher le grelot.”
I’ve put an asterisk in front of all the recognized proverbs; these will be a starting point for students who don’t want to read the entire book all at once. In some cases, I’ve added explanations for English proverbs; over the eleven years I’ve been using this book, I’ve often noticed that students were just as unaware of “to bell the cat” as they were of “attacher le grelot.”
I must add a warning to students who use the book when
translating into French. They must not use expressions marked
“familiar” or “popular” except when writing in a familiar or
low-class style. I have included these forms, because they are
often heard in conversation, but they are seldom met with in
serious French literature. A few blank pages have been added at
the end for additions. Accents have been placed on capitals[viii] to
aid the student; they are usually omitted in French printing.
I want to warn students who use this book for translating into French. They should avoid using expressions labeled “familiar” or “popular” unless they're writing in an informal or low-class style. I included these forms because you often hear them in conversation, but you rarely see them in serious French literature. A few blank pages are added at the end for notes. Accents have been added to capital letters[viii] to help the student; they are usually left out in French printing.
In conclusion, I have to thank Mr. W. G. Lipscomb, M.A.,
Headmaster of Bolton Grammar School, Mr. E. Latham, and
especially M. Georges Jamin of the École Lavoisier, Paris, for
valuable suggestions; while M. Marius Deshumbert, and Professor
Walter Rippmann, in reading through the proof sheets, have made
many corrections and additions of the greatest value, for which I
owe them my sincere gratitude.
In conclusion, I want to thank Mr. W. G. Lipscomb, M.A., Headmaster of Bolton Grammar School, Mr. E. Latham, and especially M. Georges Jamin from École Lavoisier in Paris for their valuable suggestions. I also appreciate M. Marius Deshumbert and Professor Walter Rippmann for their help in reviewing the proof sheets and providing many important corrections and additions, for which I am truly grateful.
AUTHORITIES CONSULTED
Belcher, H., and Dupuis, A., “Manuel aux
examens.” London, 1885.
Belcher, H., and Dupuis, A., “Guide to Exams.” London, 1885.
Belcour, G., “English Proverbs.” London, 1888.
Belcour, G., “English Proverbs.” London, 1888.
Bohn, H. G., “Handbook of Proverbs.” London, 1855.
Bohn, H.G., “Handbook of Proverbs.” London, 1855.
Cats, Jacob, and Fairlie, R., “Moral Emblems.”
London, 1860.
Cats, Jacob, and Fairlie, R., “Moral Emblems.” London, 1860.
Duplessis, M. Gratet, “La fleur des Proverbes français.”
Paris, 1851.
Duplessis, M. Gratet, “The Flower of French Proverbs.” Paris, 1851.
Furetière, A., “Dictionnaire universel.” La Haye, 1727.
Furetière, A., “Universal Dictionary.” The Hague, 1727.
Génin, F., “Récréations philologiques.” Paris, 1856.
Génin, F., “Philological Recreations.” Paris, 1856.
Howell, James, “Lexicon Tetraglotton.” London, 1660.
James Howell, “Lexicon Tetraglotton.” London, 1660.
Karcher, T., “Questionnaire français.” Seventh Edition.
London, 1886.
Kärcher, T., “French Questionnaire.” 7th Edition. London, 1886.
Lacurne de Ste. Palaye, “Dictionnaire historique de
l’ancien langage françois.” Paris, 1875-82.
Lacurne de Sainte-Palaye, “Historical Dictionary of the Old French Language.” Paris, 1875-82.
Larchey, Lorédan, “Nos vieux Proverbes.” Paris, 1886.
Larchey, Lorédan, “Our Old Proverbs.” Paris, 1886.
Larousse, P., “Grand Dictionnaire universel du xixe
siècle.” 1865-76.
Larousse, P., “Grand Dictionnaire universel du xixe siècle.” 1865-76.
Le Roux de Lincy, A. J., “Livre des Proverbes français.”
2e édition. Paris, 1859.
Le Roux de Lincy, A. J., “Book of French Proverbs.”
2e edition. Paris, 1859.
Littré, E., “Dictionnaire de la langue française.”
Paris, 1863-72.
Littré, E., “Dictionary of the French Language.” Paris, 1863-72.
Loubens, D., “Proverbes de la langue française.” Paris,
1889.
Loubens, D., “Proverbs in the French Language.” Paris, 1889.
Martin, Éman, “Le Courrier de Vaugelas.” Paris, 1868.
Martin, Éman, “The Vaugelas Courier.” Paris, 1868.
Quitard, P. M., “Dictionnaire étymologique des
Proverbes.” Paris, 1842.
Quitard, P.M., “Etymological Dictionary of Proverbs.” Paris, 1842.
Quitard, P. M., “Études sur les Proverbes français.”
Paris, 1860.
Quitard, P.M., “Studies on French Proverbs.” Paris, 1860.
Rigaud, Lucien, “Argot moderne.” Paris, 1881.
Lucien Rigaud, “Modern Slang.” Paris, 1881.
Tarver, J. C., “Phraseological Dictionary.” London, 1854.
Tarver, J.C., “Phraseological Dictionary.” London, 1854.
Trench, R. C., “Proverbs and their Lessons.” Sixth
Edition. London, 1869.
Trench, R.C., “Proverbs and their Lessons.” 6th Edition. London, 1869.
Quarterly Review. July 1868.
Quarterly Review, July 1868.
Notes and Queries. Passim.
Notes and Queries. Passim.
FRENCH IDIOMS AND PROVERBS
Expressions to which an Asterisk is prefixed are Proverbs.
Expressions that have an Asterisk in front of them are Proverbs.
A.
Il ne sait ni A ni B = He does not know B from a bull’s foot;
He cannot read; He is a perfect ignoramus.
Il ne sait ni A ni B = He doesn't know anything at all;
He can't read; He's completely clueless.
Être marqué à l’A = To stand high in the estimation of others.
Être marqué à l’A = To be held in high regard by others.
[This expression is supposed to have originated in the custom of
stamping French coin with different letters of the alphabet. The
mark of the Paris Mint was an “A,” and its coins were supposed to
be of a better quality than those stamped at provincial towns. But
as this custom only began in 1418 by command of the Dauphin, son
of Charles VI., and as the saying was known long previous, it is
more probable that its origin is to be sought in the pre-eminence
that A has always held in all Aryan languages, and that the French
have borrowed it from the Romans. Compare Martial, ii.
57, and our A i, at Lloyd’s.]
[This expression is believed to have come from the practice of stamping French coins with different letters of the alphabet. The Paris Mint marked its coins with an “A,” and these coins were thought to be of higher quality than those stamped in provincial towns. However, since this practice only started in 1418 by order of the Dauphin, son of Charles VI, and the saying was known long before that, it’s more likely that its origins are tied to the prominence that A has always had in all Aryan languages, and that the French borrowed it from the Romans. Compare Martial Arts, ii. 57, and our A i, at Lloyd’s.]
Tout est à l’abandon = Everything is at sixes and sevens, in
utter neglect, in confusion.
Tout est à l’abandon = Everything is a mess, completely neglected, in chaos.
[Also: Tout va à la dérive.]
Everything is going adrift.
*Petite pluie abat grand vent = A little rain lays much dust;
Often quite a trifle calms a torrent of wrath.
Petite pluie abat grand vent = A little rain clears away a lot of dust;
Sometimes, even a small thing can calm a storm of anger.
[Compare:
“Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta
Pulveris exigui jactu compressa quiescunt.”
Vergil, Georgics, iv. 86-7.]
[Compare:
"The movement of souls and all those great battles
Are halted by the toss of a tiny bit of dust."
Vergil, Georgics, iv. 86-7.]
Abattre de l’ouvrage = To get through a great deal of work.
Abattre de l’ouvrage = To tackle a lot of work.
Être aux abois = To be reduced to the last extremity; To be at bay.
Être aux abois = To be at the end of one's rope; To be cornered.
[Compare Boileau: “Dès que j’y veux rêver, ma veine est aux abois.”]
[Compare Boileau: “As soon as I want to dream, my creativity is at a standstill.”]
*Abondance de biens ne nuit pas = Store is no sore; One cannot
have too much of a good thing.
Abondance de biens ne nuit pas = Too much is not a bad thing; One can’t have too much of a good thing.
Parler avec abondance = To speak fluently.
Parler avec abondance = To speak fluently.
Parler d’abondance = To speak extempore.
Parler d’abondance = To speak off-the-cuff.
Il abonde dans mon sens = He is entirely of the same opinion as
I am; He has come round to my opinion.
Il abonde dans mon sens = He completely agrees with me; He has changed his mind to match mine.
Il a l’abord rude, mais il s’adoucit bientôt = He receives you
roughly at first, but that soon passes off.
Il a l’abord rude, mais il s’adoucit bientôt = He comes off as rough at first, but that quickly changes.
A (or, De) prime abord = At first sight; At the first blush.
A (or, De) prime abord = At first glance; At first impression.
Les pourparlers n’ont pas abouti = The preliminary negotiations
led to nothing.
Les pourparlers n’ont pas abouti = The initial talks went nowhere.
*“Les absents ont toujours tort” = When absent, one is never in
the right.
*“Les absents ont toujours tort” = When you're not there, you're never in the right.*
“When a man’s away,
Abuse him you may.”
"When a guy isn't around,
"You can talk trash about him."
[Néricault-Destouches, L’obstacle imprévu, i. 6.]
[Néricault-Destouches, The Unexpected Obstacle, i. 6.]
L’homme absurde est celui qui ne change jamais = The wise man
changes his opinion—the fool never.
L’homme absurde est celui qui ne change jamais = The wise person changes their mind—the fool never does.
[Barthélemy, Palinode. 1832.]
[Barthélemy, Palinode. 1832.]
Il est avec le ciel des accommodements = One can arrange things
with heaven.
Il est avec le ciel des accommodements = You can make deals with the universe.
[Compare Molière, Tartufe, iv. 5:
“Le ciel défend, de vrai, certains contentements,
Mais on trouve avec lui des accommodements.”
The scene in which Orgon, hidden beneath the table, learns
Tartufe’s hypocrisy.]
[Compare Molière, Tartufe, iv. 5:
"Heaven truly forbids some pleasures,
But we find ways to make it work."
The scene where Orgon, hiding under the table, realizes Tartuffe's hypocrisy.
Un méchant accommodement est mieux que le meilleur procès = A
bad arrangement is better than the best lawsuit.
Un méchant accommodement est mieux que le meilleur procès = A bad deal is better than the best lawsuit.
Je l’accommoderai comme il faut = I will give him a good hiding.
Je l’accommoderai comme il faut = I will teach him a lesson.
Il s’accommode de tout = He is satisfied with everything; He is
easy to please.
Il s’accommode de tout = He is satisfied with everything; He is easy to please.
Accordez mieux vos flûtes, si vous voulez réussir = You must
agree better among yourselves if you wish to succeed.
Accordez mieux vos flûtes, si vous voulez réussir = You need to get along better if you want to succeed.
[Generally in bad sense. “Mettez, pour me jouer, vos flûtes mieux
d’accord.”—Molière, L’Etourdi, i. 4.]
[Generally in a negative sense. “Tune your flutes better so I can enjoy the performance.”—Molière, L’Etourdi, i. 4.]
S’accorder comme chien et chat = To live a cat and dog life.
S’accorder comme chien et chat = To live a life full of conflict.
Chose accoutumée n’est pas fort prisée = Familiarity breeds
contempt.
Chose accoutumée n’est pas fort prisée = Familiarity breeds contempt.
[The Latin version of a sentence in Plutarch’s Morals
runs: “Nimia familiaritas contemptum parit.”
[The Latin version of a sentence in Plutarch's Morals runs: “Too much familiarity breeds contempt.”
Fais feste au chien, il te gastera ton habit.
“Jamais trop compagnon à nul ne te feras
Car bien que moins de joye moins d’ennuy tu auras.”]
Fête avec le chien, il abîmera tes vêtements.
"Never get too close to anyone,
Because even if you have less joy, you'll have less trouble."
Un homme qui se noie s’accroche à tout = A drowning man catches
at a straw.
Un homme qui se noie s’accroche à tout = A drowning man clings to anything.
Il a accroché sa montre (pop.) = He has “popped” his watch.
Il a accroché sa montre (pop.) = He has “popped” his watch.
[Other popular synonyms are the following:—
[Other popular synonyms are the following:—
Il a mis sa montre au clou (pop.) = His watch is up the spout.
Il a mis sa montre au clou (pop.) = His watch is out of order.
J’ai porté ma montre chez ma tante (pop.) = My watch is at my
uncle’s.]
J’ai porté ma montre chez ma tante (pop.) = My watch is at my aunt's.
Acheter à vil prix = To buy dirt cheap, for a mere song.
Acheter à vil prix = To buy super cheap, for next to nothing.
Acheter chat en poche = To buy a pig in a poke.
Acheter chat en poche = To buy something without knowing its true value or quality.
Acheter par francs et vendre par écus = To buy in the cheapest
market and sell in the dearest; To sell at a high profit.
Acheter par francs et vendre par écus = To buy at the lowest price and sell at the highest; To sell for a big profit.
C’est un voleur achevé = He is an arrant thief.
C’est un voleur achevé = He is a complete thief.
La pierre d’achoppement = The stumbling-block.
*Le bien mal acquis ne profite jamais = Ill-gotten gains
benefit no one; Cheats never prosper; Ill got, ill spent.
*Le bien mal acquis ne profite jamais = Ill-gotten gains benefit no one; Cheaters never succeed; Badly gained, badly spent.
Faire quelque chose par manière d’acquit = To do something for
form’s sake, perfunctorily.
Faire quelque chose par manière d’acquit = To do something just for the sake of it, without real effort.
[This is a shortened form of faire quelque chose pour l’acquit de
sa conscience = to do something to satisfy one’s conscience.]
[This is a shortened way of faire quelque chose pour l’acquit de
sa conscience = to do something to ease one’s conscience.]
Donner l’acquit = To break (at billiards).
Donner l’acquit = To break (in billiards).
Pour acquit = Received (on bills).
Pour acquit = Received (on invoices).
Faire acte de présence = To put in an appearance.
Faire acte de présence = To show up.
Sans adieu = I shall not say good-bye; I shall see you again
soon.
Sans adieu = I won't say goodbye; I'll see you again soon.
[“Adieu” is shortened from “Je vous recommande à la grâce de
Dieu.” Comp. “Sans adieu, chevalier, je crois que nous nous
reverrons bientôt.”—Lesage.]
[“Adieu” is shortened from “I commend you to the grace of God.” Comp. “Without farewell, knight, I believe we will see each other soon.”—Lesage.]
Le trait est arrivé à son adresse = The shaft (or, arrow) hit
the mark; He took the hint.
Le trait est arrivé à son adresse = The arrow hit the target; He got the message.
Vous vous adressez mal; Vous vous adressez bien (ironic.) =
You have come to the wrong person; You have mistaken your man.
Vous vous adressez mal; Vous vous adressez bien (ironic.) = You’ve got the wrong person; You’ve confused your man.
*Advienne que pourra = Happen what may.
*Advienne que pourra = Whatever will be, will be.*
Cela fera parfaitement l’affaire = That will do capitally; That
will suit down to the ground.
Cela fera parfaitement l’affaire = That will work perfectly; That will suit it just fine.
C’est son affaire = That is his business, his look-out.
C’est son affaire = That’s his concern, his responsibility.
Ça, c’est mon affaire = That is my business; It is no business
of yours.
Ça, c’est mon affaire = That’s my business; It’s not your concern.
Il est sûr de son affaire = He will pay for it; He will catch
it.
Il est sûr de son affaire = He'll face the consequences; He'll get what's coming to him.
Je ne dis pas mes affaires aux autres = I do not tell others my
plans (or business); I keep my concerns to myself.
Je ne dis pas mes affaires aux autres = I don’t share my plans with others; I keep my worries to myself.
J’entends votre affaire = I see what is to be done for you.
J’entends votre affaire = I understand what needs to be done for you.
Ils parlent affaires = They are talking business.
Ils parlent affaires = They’re discussing business.
Ils parlent boutique = They are talking shop.
Ils parlent boutique = They are talking about work.
C’est une triste affaire = It is a sad business.
C’est une triste affaire = It's a sad situation.
S’attirer une mauvaise affaire = To get into a mess, scrape.
S’attirer une mauvaise affaire = To get into a bad situation, a tough spot.
Quand on a de l’esprit, on se tire d’affaire = When one has
brains, one gets out of any difficulty.
Quand on a de l’esprit, on se tire d’affaire = When you have brains, you can get out of any tough situation.
[Distinguish between se tirer and s’attirer.]
[Distinguish between se tirer and s’attirer.]
Si quelque affaire t’importe, ne la fais pas par procureur = If
you want a thing done, do it yourself.
Si quelque affaire t’importe, ne la fais pas par procureur = If you care about something, handle it yourself.
L’affaire a été chaude = It was warm work (referring to a
fight).
L’affaire a été chaude = It was intense work (referring to a fight).
Une affaire d’honneur = A duel.
Une affaire d’honneur = A matter of honor.
Où sont mes affaires? = Where are my things?
Où sont mes affaires? = Where are my stuff?
Les affaires ne vont pas (ne marchent pas) = Trade is dull,
slack.
Les affaires ne vont pas (ne marchent pas) = Business is slow, sluggish.
Je suis dans les affaires = I am in business.
Je suis dans les affaires = I'm in business.
[“Les affaires? C’est bien simple, c’est l’argent des
autres.”—Alex. Dumas fils, La Question d’Argent, ii.
7.]
[“Business? It's simple, it's other people's money.”—Alex Dumas fils, La Question d’Argent, ii. 7.]
Mêlez-vous de vos affaires = Mind your own business.
Mêlez-vous de vos affaires = Mind your own business.
Avoir affaire = To be occupied.
Avoir affaire à quelqu’un = To have to speak to (to deal with)
a person.
Avoir affaire à quelqu’un = To have to speak to (to deal with) a person.
Il aura affaire à moi = He will have to
deal with me.]
Il aura affaire à moi = He will have to deal with me.
Avoir affaire de quelqu’un = To need a person.
Avoir affaire de quelqu’un = To deal with someone.
[“J’ai affaire de vous, ne vous éloignez pas.”]
[“I need to talk to you, don’t go too far.”]
Avoir son affaire = To have what suits one. J’ai mon affaire
= I have found what I want. J’ai votre affaire = I have got the
very thing for you. Il aura son affaire (ironic.) = He will
catch it.
Avoir son affaire = To have what suits someone. J’ai mon affaire = I’ve found what I want. J’ai votre affaire = I’ve got exactly what you need. Il aura son affaire (ironic.) = He’s going to get what’s coming to him.
C’est toute une affaire = It is a serious matter; It means a
lot of bother (or, trouble).
C’est toute une affaire = It's a big deal; it means a lot of hassle (or, trouble).
C’est une affaire faite = It is as good as done.
C’est une affaire faite = It's basically a done deal.
Son affaire est faite = He is a dead man (of one dying); He is
done for; He is a ruined man.
Son affaire est faite = He's a dead man (or someone who's dying); He's finished; He's a ruined man.
Faire son affaire = (of oneself) To succeed. Il fait tout
doucement son affaire = He is getting on slowly but surely.
(Of
others) To punish. S’il le rencontre, il lui fera son affaire =
If he meets him he will give it to him, will “do” for him.
Faire son affaire = (of oneself) To succeed. Il fait tout doucement son affaire = He is getting by slowly but surely.
(Of others) To punish. S’il le rencontre, il lui fera son affaire = If he meets him, he will take care of him, will "do" him in.
Il a fait ses affaires dans les vins = He made his money in the
wine trade.
Il a fait ses affaires dans les vins = He made his money in the wine business.
J’en fais mon affaire = I will take the responsibility of the
matter; I will see to it; I will take it in hand.
J’en fais mon affaire = I’ll take responsibility for this; I’ll handle it; I’ll take care of it.
Vous avez fait là une belle affaire (ironic.) = You have made a
pretty mess of it.
You really made a great deal (sarcastically.) = You have made a pretty mess of it.
Une affaire de rien = A mere nothing, a trifle.
Une affaire de rien = A simple triviality, just a small thing.
Il est hors d’affaire = He is out of danger.
Il est hors d’affaire = He is safe now.
Être au dessous de ses affaires, être au dessus de ses affaires
(ironic.) = To be unable to meet one’s liabilities, to be
unsuccessful.
To be below one's means, to be above one's means
(ironic.) = To be unable to meet one's obligations, to be
unsuccessful.
Quelle affaire! En voilà une affaire! (ironic.) = What a to-do!
What a row about nothing!
Quelle affaire! En voilà une affaire! (ironic.) = What a fuss! What a commotion over nothing!
La belle affaire! = Is that all? (i.e. it is not so difficult
or important as you seem to think).
La belle affaire! = Is that it? (i.e. it’s not as challenging or significant as you think).
Il n’y a point de petites affaires = Every trifle is of
importance.
Il n’y a point de petites affaires = Every little thing matters.
Ceux qui n’ont point d’affaires s’en font = Those who have no
troubles invent them; Idle people make business for themselves.
Ceux qui n’ont point d’affaires s’en font = People without troubles create their own; lazy individuals find ways to keep themselves busy.
Les affaires sont les affaires = Business is business; One must
be serious at work.
Les affaires sont les affaires = Business is business; You have to be serious at work.
Ce scandale sera l’affaire de huit jours = That scandal will be
a nine days’ wonder.
Ce scandale sera l’affaire de huit jours = That scandal will be a brief sensation.
Dieu nous garde d’un homme qui n’a qu’une affaire = God save us
from the man of one idea.
Dieu nous garde d’un homme qui n’a qu’une affaire = God save us from the man with just one idea.
[Because he is always talking of it, and tires every one. Compare
“Beware of the man of one book.”]
[Because he keeps bringing it up, and annoys everyone. Compare “Beware of the man of one book.”]
Chacun sait ses affaires = Every one knows his own business
best.
Chacun sait ses affaires = Everyone knows their own business best.
*A demain les affaires sérieuses = I will not be bothered with
business to-day; Time enough for business to-morrow.
*A demain les affaires sérieuses = I'm not dealing with business today; There's plenty of time for that tomorrow.*
[The saying of Archias, governor of Thebes, on receiving a letter
from Athens warning him of the conspiracy of Pelopidas; he would
not even open the letter. Soon after, the conspirators rushed in
and murdered him and his friends as they were feasting.]
[The saying of Archias, governor of Thebes, upon receiving a letter from Athens warning him about the conspiracy of Pelopidas; he refused to even open the letter. Shortly after, the conspirators burst in and killed him and his friends while they were having a feast.]
Il vaut mieux avoir affaire à Dieu qu’à ses saints = It is
better to deal with superiors than subordinates.
Il vaut mieux avoir affaire à Dieu qu’à ses saints = It's better to deal with the higher-ups than with the lower ranks.
[Two quotations from La Fontaine are proverbial:—
“On ne s’attendait guère
A voir Ulysse en cette affaire.”
La Tortue et les deux Canards.
[Two quotations from La Fontaine are proverbial:—
“No one really expected
to see Ulysses in this situation.”
The Turtle and the Two Ducks.
“Le moindre grain de mil
Serait bien mieux mon affaire.”
Le Coq et la Perle.]
“Even a tiny grain of millet
Would be far better for me.”
Le Coq and the Pearl.
*Ventre affamé n’a point d’oreilles = A hungry man will not
listen to reason.
*Ventre affamé n’a point d’oreilles = A hungry man doesn’t listen to reason.
[La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 18.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 18.]
Défense d’afficher = Stick no bills.
C’est un homme qui s’affiche = He is a man who tries to get
talked about (generally in a disparaging sense).
C’est un homme qui s’affiche = He is a man who seeks attention (usually in a negative way).
[Être affiché is also said of a man who has been “posted” at his
club.]
[Être affiché is also said of a man who has been “posted” at his club.]
Faire affront à quelqu’un = To shame some one in public.
Faire affront à quelqu’un = To publicly shame someone.
Le fils fait affront à sa famille = The son is a disgrace to
his family.
Le fils fait affront à sa famille = The son is embarrassing to his family.
Boire (essuyer or avaler) un affront = To pocket an
insult.
Boire (essuyer or avaler) un affront = To take in an insult.
Être à l’affût = To be watching for a favourable opportunity;
To be on the look-out. (See Aguets.)
Être à l’affût = To be watching for a favorable opportunity;
To be on the lookout. (See Aguets.)
Il est entre deux âges = He is middle-aged.
Il est entre deux âges = He is middle-aged.
Il est président d’âge = He is chairman by seniority.
Il est président d’âge = He is the chairman by seniority.
Le bel âge = Childhood; youth.
Le bel âge = Childhood; adolescence.
[Some idea is generally understood after le bel âge. Thus
“childhood” is not always the right translation. For an author le
bel âge would be after thirty, for a politician later still, and
so on. Chicaneau, in Racine’s Plaideurs, calls sixty le bel âge
pour plaider (i. 7).]
[Some idea is generally understood after le bel âge. So, “childhood” doesn’t always translate well. For an author, le bel âge would be after thirty; for a politician, even later, and so on. Chicaneau, in Racine’s Plaideurs, refers to sixty as le bel âge pour plaider (i. 7).]
La fleur de l’âge = The prime of life.
La fleur de l’âge = The prime of life.
Le moyen âge = The Middle Ages.
Le moyen âge = The Middle Ages.
Il s’agit de... = The question is...; The point is...
Il s’agit de... = The point is...; The question is...
Il s’agit de votre vie = Your life is at stake.
Il s’agit de votre vie = Your life is on the line.
Il ne s’agit pas de cela = That is not the point.
Il ne s’agit pas de cela = That's not the point.
Il s’agit bien de cela (ironic.) = That is quite a secondary
consideration.
Il s’agit bien de cela (ironic.) = That really is a minor detail.
Qui s’agite s’enrichit = If you wish to get rich, you must work
(hustle); No pains, no gains.
Qui s’agite s’enrichit = If you want to get rich, you have to work hard; no pain, no gain.
Même à travers l’agonie la passion dominante se fait voir = The
ruling passion is strong in death.
Même à travers l’agonie la passion dominante se fait voir = The ruling passion is evident even in death.
[“Elle a porté ses sentiments jusqu’à l’agonie.”—Bossuet.
“And you, brave Cobham! to the latest breath
Shall feel your ruling passion strong in death.”
Pope, Moral Essays, i. 262.]
[“She held her feelings until the very end.”—Bossuet.
“And you, brave Cobham! until your last breath
Will feel your powerful passion even in death.”
Pope, Moral Essays, i. 262.]
Il est aux aguets = He is on the watch; He is in ambush. (See
Affût.)
Il est aux aguets = He is on alert; He is in hiding. (See
Affût.)
*Un peu d’aide fait grand bien = Many hands make light work.
*Un peu d’aide fait grand bien = Many hands make light work.
Bon droit a besoin d’aide = Even a good cause needs support.
Bon droit a besoin d’aide = Even a good cause needs help.
*Aide-toi, le ciel t’aidera = God helps those who help
themselves.
*i lang="fr">Help yourself, and heaven will help you = God helps those who help themselves.
[La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 18, Le Chartier embourbé,
copying Régnier, Sat. xiii.:
[La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 18, Le Chartier embourbé, copying Régnier, Sat. xiii.:
“Aydez vous seulement et Dieu vous aydera.”
“Aidez-vous seulement et Dieu vous aidera.”
Lat.: Dii facientes adjuvant.
Lat.: Gods help those who work.
Æschylus, Persae, 742: Σπεύδοντι σαυτῷ χῶ
θεὸς ξυνάψεται.
Aeschylus, Persae, 742: When you hurry, the god will connect with you.
Sophocles, Camicii, frag. 633, in Dindorf’s edition:
Οὐκ ἐστι τοῖς μή δρῶσι σύμμαχος Τύχη.
Sophocles, Camicii, frag. 633, in Dindorf’s edition:
Luck is not on the side of those who do not take action.
Another Greek saying was: Σύν, Αθηνᾷ καὶ χείρα κίνει =
With Minerva on your side, yet use your own hand.
Another Greek saying was: Σύν, Αθηνᾷ καὶ χείρα κίνει = With Minerva by your side, still use your own hand.
Cromwell is reported to have said at the battle of Dunbar: “Trust
in God, but keep your powder dry.”
Cromwell is said to have stated at the battle of Dunbar: “Trust in God, but keep your powder dry.”
The Basques say: “Quoique Dieu soit bon ouvrier, il veut qu’on
l’aide.”]
The Basques say: “Although God is a good worker, He wants us to help.”
De fil en aiguille = Bit by bit; One thing leading to another.
De fil en aiguille = Little by little; One thing leads to another.
[“De propos en propos et de fil en eguille.”—Régnier,
Sat. xiii.]
[“From one remark to another and from one thing to another.”—Régnier, Sat. xiii.]
Raconter de fil en aiguille = To tell the whole matter from the
beginning.
Raconter de fil en aiguille = To explain everything from the start.
Disputer sur la pointe d’une aiguille = To raise a discussion
on a subject of no importance; To split hairs.
Disputer sur la pointe d’une aiguille = To argue about something trivial; To nitpick.
*Chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin = To look for a
needle in a bundle (bottle) of hay.
*i lang="fr">Chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin = To look for a needle in a haystack.
A dur âne dur aiguillon = In dealing with obstinate natures one
must use severe measures.
A dur âne dur aiguillon = When dealing with stubborn people, you have to use tough methods.
Il en a dans l’aile = He is winged (hurt).
Il en a dans l’aile = He’s hurt.
Le ministère a du plomb dans l’aile = The ministry is nearing
its end, is winged.
Le ministère a du plomb dans l’aile = The ministry is struggling, it's on its last legs.
Il ne bat plus que d’une aile = He is almost ruined; He is on
his last legs.
Il ne bat plus que d’une aile = He is nearly done for; He is on his last legs.
Voler de ses propres ailes = To act (or, shift) for oneself.
Voler de ses propres ailes = To act (or, shift) independently.
J’en tirerai pied ou aile = I will get something out of it.
J’en tirerai pied ou aile = I'll get something out of it.
[Idiom derived from carving a bird—to get a leg or a wing off it.]
[Idiom derived from carving a bird—to take a leg or a wing off it.]
C’est la plus belle plume de son aile (or, le plus beau
fleuron de sa couronne) = It is the finest gem of his crown.
C’est la plus belle plume de son aile (or, le plus beau fleuron de sa couronne) = It is the finest gem of his crown.
*Qui aime bien châtie bien = Spare the rod and spoil the child.
*Qui aime bien châtie bien = If you love someone, you have to discipline them.
Aimer quelqu’un comme la prunelle de ses yeux = To love
somebody like the apple of one’s eye.
Aimer quelqu’un comme la prunelle de ses yeux = To love somebody like the apple of your eye.
Quand on n’a pas ce que l’on aime il faut aimer ce que l’on a =
If you cannot get crumb you had best eat crust.
Quand on n’a pas ce que l’on aime il faut aimer ce que l’on a = If you can't have what you love, you should love what you have.
[This sentence is found in a letter from Bussy Rabutin to Madame
de Sévigné, May 23, 1667.
[This sentence is found in a letter from Bussy Rabutin to Madame de Sévigné, May 23, 1667.
“Quoniam non potest id fieri quod vis, id velis quod
possit.”—Terence, Andria, ii. 1, 6. “When things will
not suit our will, it is well to suit our will to things.”—Arab
proverb.
“Let not what I cannot have
My peace of mind destroy.”
Colley Cibber, The Blind Boy.]
“Since what you want can’t happen, want what can happen.”—Terence, Andria, ii. 1, 6. “When things won't go our way, it's wise to adjust our expectations to fit reality.”—Arab proverb.
“Don't let what I can't have
Take away my peace of mind.”
Colley Cibber, The Blind Boy.
*Qui aime Bertrand, aime son chien = Love me, love my dog.
*Qui aime Bertrand, aime son chien = Love me, love my dog.*
[“Qui me amat, amat et canem meum.”—S. Bernard, In
Fest. S. Mich. Serm., i. sec. 3.]
[“Who loves me, loves my dog too.”—St. Bernard, In Fest. S. Mich. Serm., i. sec. 3.]
*Qui aime bien, tard oublie = True love dies hard.
Qui aime bien, tard oublie = True love lasts a long time.
Qui m’aime me suive = Peril proves who dearly loves.
Qui m’aime me suive = Danger reveals who truly loves.
[Words attributed to Philippe VI. when at a Council during his war
with Flanders, the Connétable de Châtillon alone stood by him,
saying all times were suitable to the brave.]
[Words attributed to Philippe VI when he was at a Council during his war with Flanders, the Constable de Châtillon stood by him, saying that any time is right for the brave.]
En plein air; Au grand air = In the open air.
En plein air; Au grand air = In the open air.
Être entre deux airs
Être dans un courant d’air |
} |
= To be in a
draught. |
Avoir toujours le pied en l’air = To be always on the go.
Avoir toujours le pied en l’air = To always be on the move.
Il parle en l’air = He talks without thinking of what he is
saying, at random, not seriously.
Il parle en l’air = He talks off the cuff, without thinking about what he’s saying, randomly, not seriously.
Je vais prendre l’air du bureau = I am just going to look in at
the office.
Je vais prendre l’air du bureau = I'm just going to check in at the office.
Prendre un air de feu = To go near the fire for a few minutes
to warm oneself.
Prendre un air de feu = To get close to the fire for a few minutes to warm up.
A votre air on ne vous donnerait pas vingt-cinq ans = From your
looks I should take you for less than five-and-twenty.
A votre air on ne vous donnerait pas vingt-cinq ans = From your looks, I’d guess you’re not even twenty-five.
Vivre de l’air du temps = To live upon nothing (i.e. to eat
very little).
Vivre de l’air du temps = To live on thin air (i.e. to eat very little).
Elle a quelque chose de votre air = She takes after you; She
looks somewhat like you.
Elle a quelque chose de votre air = She resembles you; She looks a bit like you.
Il a un faux air d’avocat = He looks something like a barrister.
Il a un faux air d’avocat = He somewhat resembles a lawyer.
Cela en a tout l’air = It looks uncommonly like it.
Cela en a tout l’air = It sure looks that way.
Il a un air (or, l’air) comme il faut = He has a very
gentlemanly manner.
Il a un air (or, l’air) comme il faut = He has a very classy demeanor.
C’est de l’algèbre pour lui = It is Greek to him.
C’est de l’algèbre pour lui = It doesn't make any sense to him.
[“C’est de l’hébreu pour moi.”—Molière, L’Étourdi,
iii. 3.]
[“It’s all Greek to me.”—Molière, L’Étourdi, iii. 3.]
Chercher une querelle d’Allemand = To pick a quarrel about
nothing, without rhyme or reason.
Chercher une querelle d’Allemand = To start a pointless argument, with no reason or sense behind it.
[This saying has been accounted for as follows:—During the
thirteenth century there lived in Dauphiné a very powerful family
of the name of Alleman. They were bound together by close ties
of relationship; and if any one attacked one member of the clan,
he had the whole to reckon with. From the vigour with which they
resented any wrong, no matter how slight, arose the expression
Une querelle d’Alleman. See M. Jules Quicherat’s article on La
famille des Alleman in the Revue historique de la noblesse,
Part vi.]
[This saying has been explained as follows:—During the thirteenth century, there was a very powerful family in Dauphiné called the Alleman. They were closely related, and if anyone attacked one member of the family, they had to deal with the entire clan. From the way they fiercely defended against any wrongdoing, no matter how minor, came the expression Une querelle d’Alleman. See M. Jules Quicherat’s article on La famille des Alleman in the Revue historique de la noblesse, Part vi.]
*Tant va la cruche à l’eau qu’à la fin elle se casse = The
pitcher that often goes to the well gets broken at last.
*Tant va la cruche à l’eau qu’à la fin elle se casse = The pitcher that goes to the well too many times eventually breaks.*
[This has been travestied: Tant va la cruche à l’eau qu’à la fin
elle s’emplit. The Germans have an equivalent: Der Krug geht so
lange zum Brunnen, bis er bricht.]
[This has been distorted: Tant va la cruche à l’eau qu’à la fin elle s’emplit. The Germans have a similar saying: Der Krug geht so lange zum Brunnen, bis er bricht.]
*Doucement va bien loin = Fair and softly goes far; Slow and
sure wins the race.
*Doucement va bien loin = Take it easy and you'll get far; Slow and steady wins the race.
[The Italian equivalent is: Chi va piano va sano e va lontano.
“Qui trop se hâte en cheminant
En beau chemin se fourvoye souvent.”
[The Italian equivalent is: Chi va piano va sano e va lontano.
“Those who hurry too much on their journey
Often wander off the lovely path.”
“On en va mieux quand on va doux.”—La Fontaine, Les
Cordeliers de Catalogne.]
“It's easier to get along when you're gentle.” —La Fontaine, Les Cordeliers de Catalogne.
Il y allait du bonheur de ma famille = The happiness of my
family was at stake.
Il y allait du bonheur de ma famille = The happiness of my family was on the line.
Ce jeune homme ira loin = That young man will make his way in
the world, has a future before him.
Ce jeune homme ira loin = That young man will go far, has a bright future ahead of him.
Au pis aller = Should the worst come to the worst.
Au pis aller = If it really comes to that.
Un pis aller = A makeshift.
Aller son petit bonhomme de chemin = To jog along quietly.
Aller son petit bonhomme de chemin = To go about one's business quietly.
Cela va tout seul = There is no difficulty in the way.
Cela va tout seul = It’s easy as pie.
Cela va sans dire = That is a matter of course; It stands to
reason.
Cela va sans dire = That's a given; It makes sense.
Cela va de soi = That follows naturally.
Cela va de soi = That goes without saying.
Il ne reviendra pas, allez! = Depend upon it, he will not
return!
Il ne reviendra pas, allez! = Rest assured, he won't come back!
Va pour mille francs! = Done! I’ll take £40.
Va pour mille francs! = Done! I’ll take £40.
Aller cahin-caha
Aller clopin-clopant |
} |
(lit.) To limp along.
(fig.) To rub along |
| quietly, neither very well nor very ill. |
Elle le fait aller = She makes him do what she likes.
Elle le fait aller = She gets him to do what she wants.
Le rouge va bien aux brunes = Red suits dark women well.
Le rouge va bien aux brunes = Red looks great on dark-haired women.
Allons donc! = You are joking.
“Il n’est bois si vert qui ne s’allume” (Clément
Marot) = There is nothing so difficult that cannot be done
in time.
“Il n’est bois si vert qui ne s’allume” (Clément Marot) = Nothing is so difficult that it can’t be accomplished with time.
Alors comme alors = Wait till that happens, and then we will
see what is to be done.
Alors comme alors = Wait until that happens, and then we will see what to do.
Fin comme l’ambre = As sharp as a needle.
Fin comme l’ambre = As sharp as a needle.
[This is said to have originated in the scent of ambergris, which
is of a subtle, penetrating nature.]
[This is believed to have originated from the scent of ambergris, which has a subtle, penetrating quality.]
Cette preuve est amenée de bien loin = That proof is very
far-fetched.
Cette preuve est amenée de bien loin = That proof is really far-fetched.
*Qui prête à l’ami perd au double = “For loan oft loses both
itself and friend.”
*Qui prête à l’ami perd au double = “Lending often costs you both what you give and the friendship.”
[Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3.]
*On connaît les amis au besoin = A friend in need is a friend
indeed.
*On connaît les amis au besoin = A friend in need is a true friend.
[Also: C’est dans le malheur qu’on connaît ses amis.
“Chacun se dit ami, mais fou qui s’y repose
Rien n’est plus commun que le nom
Rien n’est plus rare que la chose.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 17.
[Also: It’s in misfortune that we discover our friends.
“Everyone claims to be a friend, but it's naive to depend on that
The name is very common
But the reality is very rare.”
La Fontaine, Fables, IV. 17.
“Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur.”—Ennius.
“A true friend is recognized in uncertain times.”—Ennius.
“Nihil homini amico est opportuno amicius.”—Plautus.
“Nihil homini amico est opportuno amicius.”—Plautus.
“Vulgare amici nomen, sed rara est fides.”—Phaedrus,
iii. 9.
“Vulgare amici nomen, sed rara est fides.”—Phaedrus,
iii. 9.
“Les amis sont comme les parapluies, on ne les a jamais sous la
main quand il pleut.”—Théodore de Banville.
“Friends are like umbrellas; you never have them when it rains.”—Théodore de Banville.
Un véritable ami est un bienfait des dieux.
Prosperity gains friends, adversity tries them.
Friends and mules fail us at hard passes.
In times of prosperity friends will be plenty,
In times of adversity not one in twenty.]
A true friend is a gift from above.
Good times attract friends, but tough times reveal them.
Friends and mules can let us down when it matters most.
When everything is going well, friends are all around,
But in hard times, you can rely on only one in twenty.]
Mieux vaut ami en voie que denier en courroie = A friend at
court is better than money.
Mieux vaut ami en voie que denier en courroie = A friend in power is better than money.
Il ne faut prendre de son ami tout ce qu’on peut = Friends are
like fiddle-strings, they must not be screwed too tight.
Il ne faut prendre de son ami tout ce qu’on peut = Friends are like guitar strings; you shouldn’t tighten them too much.
“Les amis de l’heure présente
Ont la nature du melon,
Il en faut essayer cinquante
Avant qu’on rencontre un bon.”
Claude Mermet (1550-1605).
“Today's friends
Are like melons,
You have to go through fifty
Before you find a good one.”
Claude Mermet (1550-1605).
= Trust not a new friend nor an old enemy; Acquaintances are
many, but friends are few.
= Don't trust a new friend or an old enemy; there are plenty of acquaintances, but true friends are rare.
Faites mes amitiés à votre frère = Remember me kindly to your
brother.
Faites mes amitiés à votre frère = Send my regards to your brother.
Faites-le pour l’amour de moi = Do it for my sake.
Faites-le pour l’amour de moi = Do it for me.
L’Amour force toutes les serrures = Love laughs at locksmiths.
L’Amour force toutes les serrures = Love can get through any lock.
Vivre d’amour et d’eau fraîche (or, claire) = To live on
bread and cheese and kisses.
Vivre d’amour et d’eau fraîche (or, claire) = To live on love and fresh water.
*On revient toujours à ses premières amours = One always
returns to one’s first love; Who loves well, forgets ill.
*On revient toujours à ses premières amours = You always go back to your first love; Those who love well, forget badly.
[C. G. Étienne, Joconde, iii. 1.]
[C. G. Étienne, Joconde, iii. 1.]
Jamais l’amour ne se paye que par l’amour = Love can neither be
bought nor sold, its only price is love.
Jamais l’amour ne se paye que par l’amour = Love can't be bought or sold; its only cost is love.
[“Amour au cœur me poind
Quand bien-aimé je suis,
Mais aimer je ne puis
Quand on ne m’aime point.
Chacun soit adverti
De faire comme moi,
Car d’aimer sans party
C’est un trop grand esmoy.”
Clément Marot.
["Love hits my heart
When I'm loved,
But I can’t love
When I’m not loved back.
Everyone should be warned
To follow my example,
Because loving without a reply
Is too much pain.”
Clément Marot.
Lieb ohne Gegenlieb ist wie eine Frage ohne Antwort.]
Loving without love in return is like a question without an answer.
On dirait qu’il le fait pour l’amour du bon Dieu = He does it
with such bad grace that one would say he did it for conscience’
sake.
On dirait qu’il le fait pour l’amour du bon Dieu = He does it with so much reluctance that one might think he's doing it for the sake of his conscience.
[“Qui que tu sois, voici ton maître,
Il l’est, le fut, ou le doit être.”
Voltaire, Inscription pour une statue de l’Amour dans
les Jardins de Maisons.
["No matter who you are, here is your master,
He is, was, or should be.”
Voltaire, Inscription for a statue of Love in the Gardens of Maisons.
“A l’Amour on résiste en vain;
Qui n’aima jamais aimera demain.”
De Benserade, L’Amour, ed. 1690, p. 234.]
"We resist love for no reason;
Those who have never loved will love by tomorrow.”
De Benserade, L’Amour, edited 1690, p. 234.]
Amuser le tapis = To talk a great deal without coming to the
point; To talk time away.
Amuser le tapis = To talk a lot without getting to the point; To waste time talking.
Ne vous amusez pas en route = Do not lose an instant on the way.
Ne vous amusez pas en route = Don’t waste any time on the way.
Je m’en moque comme de l’an quarante = I don’t care a straw for
it.
Je m’en moque comme de l’an quarante = I couldn’t care less about it.
[There was a superstition that the world would come to an end in
1040; after it had passed, this saying arose. The French also say
“Je m’en moque comme de Colin-tampon.” Colin-tampon is the name
given to the Swiss roll of the drum; and as the other soldiers in
the French army paid no attention to it out of jealousy and esprit
de corps, this saying arose. Another variant is “Je m’en soucie
autant qu’un poisson d’une pomme.”]
[There was a superstition that the world would end in 1040; after that year passed, this saying came about. The French also say “Je m’en moque comme de Colin-tampon.” Colin-tampon refers to the Swiss roll of the drum; since the other soldiers in the French army ignored it out of jealousy and team spirit, this saying originated. Another version is “Je m’en soucie autant qu’un poisson d’une pomme.”]
Bon an, mal an = One year with another; On an average.
Bon an, mal an = Year in and year out; On average.
Ressembler à l’âne de Buridan = Not to know what to do.
Ressembler à l’âne de Buridan = Not knowing what to do.
[Jean Buridan was a dialectician of the fourteenth century, and
Rector of the University of Paris. One of his most famous dilemmas
was that of the donkey equally hungry and thirsty, which was
placed halfway between a pail of water and a load of hay. If the
animal had no free-will, it would remain motionless between two
equal attractions, and so die of hunger and thirst.]
[Jean Buridan was a logician in the fourteenth century and the Rector of the University of Paris. One of his most well-known dilemmas was that of a donkey that was equally hungry and thirsty, positioned halfway between a pail of water and a load of hay. If the donkey lacked free will, it would stay still between the two equal attractions and ultimately die from hunger and thirst.]
Contes de Peau d’Âne = Nursery tales.
Contes de Peau d’Âne = Nursery tales.
[A name derived from a tale of Perrault, in which the heroine is
so called.]
[A name taken from a story by Perrault, in which the heroine is named that.]
Pour un point (or, Faute d’un point) Martin perdit son âne
= For want of a nail the shoe was lost (or, the miller lost his
mare); Be careful of trifles.
Pour un point (or, Faute d’un point) Martin perdit son âne = For lack of a nail, the shoe was lost (or, the miller lost his mare); Be careful of small things.
[This is said of a person who loses something valuable through a
trifle. The Abbey of Asello (Latin asellus = little ass) was
taken from the Abbot Martin on account of his punctuation of a
sentence over the gateway. Instead of: Porta patens esto, nulli
claudaris honesto (Gate be open, and be closed to no honest
man), he punctuated: Porta patens esto nulli, claudaris honesto
(Gate, be open to none, be closed to an honest man). His successor
corrected the mistake, and added: Uno pro puncto caruit Martinus
Asello.]
[This is used to describe someone who loses something important over a small mistake. The Abbey of Asello (Latin asellus = little ass) was taken from Abbot Martin because of his punctuation of a sentence above the gateway. Instead of: Porta patens esto, nulli claudaris honesto (Gate be open, and be closed to no honest man), he punctuated it as: Porta patens esto nulli, claudaris honesto (Gate, be open to none, be closed to an honest man). His successor fixed the mistake and added: Uno pro puncto caruit Martinus Asello.]
Il fait l’âne pour avoir du son = He simulates stupidity to
gain some material advantage.
Il fait l’âne pour avoir du son = He pretends to be foolish to get some personal gain.
Brider un âne par la queue = To do anything in exactly the
wrong manner; To get hold of the wrong end of the stick.
Brider un âne par la queue = To do something in completely the wrong way; To misunderstand the situation.
Il n’y a point d’âne plus mal bâté que celui du commun = What
is everybody’s business is nobody’s business.
Il n’y a point d’âne plus mal bâté que celui du commun = When something is everyone's responsibility, it often ends up being nobody's.
[Walton, Compleat Angler, Part i. chap. ii.]
[Walton, Compleat Angler, Part i. chap. ii.]
Être aux anges = To be delighted, in raptures, in the seventh
heaven.
Être aux anges = To be overjoyed, ecstatic, in blissful happiness.
Un ange bouffi = A chubby child.
Un ange bouffi = A chubby kid.
Échapper comme une anguille = To be as slippery as an eel.
Échapper comme une anguille = To be as slippery as an eel.
Quand on veut trop serrer l’anguille, elle s’échappe = “Much
would have more and lost all”; He who is too greedy loses
everything. (See Embrasser.)
Quand on veut trop serrer l’anguille, elle s’échappe = “Trying to grab the eel too tightly makes it slip away”; Being too greedy means losing everything. (See Embrasser.)
Vouloir rompre l’anguille au genou = To attempt an
impossibility.
To want to break the eel at the knee = To attempt an impossibility.
Il est comme l’anguille de Melun (more correctly, Languille de
Melun), il crie avant qu’on l’écorche = He is like the eel of
Melun, he cries out before he is hurt.
Il est comme l’anguille de Melun (more correctly, Languille de Melun), il crie avant qu’on l’écorche = He is like the eel of Melun, he screams before he gets hurt.
[An actor, called Languille, was once acting the part of St.
Bartholomew at Melun, when he was so frightened at the entry of
the executioner to flay him alive, that he rushed off the stage
yelling.]
[An actor named Languille was once playing the role of St. Bartholomew in Melun when he was so terrified by the entrance of the executioner who was about to flay him alive that he ran off the stage screaming.]
Il y a quelque anguille sous roche = There is a snake in the
grass; I can smell a rat.
Il y a quelque anguille sous roche = There's something fishy going on; I can sense something's off.
[Lat. Latet anguis in herba.]
A snake hides in the grass.
Société anonyme = Limited Liability Company (because the names
of the shareholders are unknown to the public).
Société anonyme = Limited Liability Company (since the names of the shareholders are not publicly disclosed).
Faire danser l’anse (or, le manche) du panier = To
make dishonest profits on marketing (of servants); To gain a
market-penny.
Faire danser l’anse (or, le manche) du panier = To make a dishonest profit on marketing (of servants); To earn a small profit.
Faire le pot (or, panier) à deux anses = To put one’s arms
akimbo.
Faire le pot (or, panier) à deux anses = To put one’s hands on your hips.
[Often said of a gentleman who has a lady on each arm.]
[Often said of a man who has a woman on each arm.]
“Où sont les neiges d’antan?” = Where are the snows of
yester-year?
Où sont les neiges d’antan? = Where are the snows of the past?
[Antan is an old French word derived from ante and annus. The
quotation is the refrain of François Villon’s famous “Ballade des
Dames du temps jadis.”]
[Antan is an old French word derived from ante and annus. The quotation is the refrain of François Villon’s famous “Ballade des Dames du temps jadis.”]
C’est un apache (pop.) = He is a hooligan.
C’est un apache (pop.) = He’s a troublemaker.
C’est un apothicaire sans sucre = He is unprovided with the
necessities of his profession.
C’est un apothicaire sans sucre = He lacks the essentials for his job.
[Druggists in France formerly sold sugar which they used almost in
every preparation. Hence one who had no sugar was badly stocked.]
[Pharmacists in France used to sell sugar, which they included in almost every concoction. So, someone without sugar was poorly supplied.]
Faire le bon apôtre = To put on a saintly look; To pretend to
be holy.
Faire le bon apôtre = To act saintly; To pretend to be righteous.
[“Tout Picard que j’étais, j’étais un bon apôtre Et je faisais
claquer mon fouet tout comme un autre.”
Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
[“As much of a Picard as I was, I was a good advocate And I cracked my whip just like anyone else.”
Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
Pour sauver les apparences = For the sake of appearances.
Pour sauver les apparences = To save face.
Selon toute apparence = In all probability.
According to all appearances = In all likelihood.
A tous ceux qu’il appartiendra (legal) = To all whom it may
concern.
A tous ceux qu’il appartiendra (legal) = To whom it may concern.
*C’est un trop vieux poisson pour mordre à l’appât = He is too
old a bird to be caught with chaff.
*C’est un trop vieux poisson pour mordre à l’appât = He is too old a fish to fall for bait.
Faire l’appel = To call the roll.
Manquer à l’appel = To be missing, absent.
Manquer à l’appel = To be missing, absent.
Battre l’appel = To call to arms.
Battre l’appel = To call to arms.
Il appelle les choses par leur nom = He calls a spade a spade.
Il appelle les choses par leur nom = He tells it like it is.
[“J’appelle un chat un chat, et Rolet un
fripon.”—Boileau, Satires, i. 52.]
[“I call a spade a spade, and Rolet a scoundrel.”—Boileau, Satires, i. 52.]
Voilà ce que j’appelle pleuvoir = This is what I call raining
with a vengeance.
Voilà ce que j’appelle pleuvoir = This is what I call pouring rain.
Bon appétit = Good appetite; I hope you will enjoy your meal.
Bon appétit = Enjoy your meal; I hope you have a great time eating.
*L’appétit vient en mangeant = One leg of mutton helps down
another; The more one has the more one wants; Begin to eat,
you’ll soon be hungry.
*L’appétit vient en mangeant = One leg of mutton leads to another; The more you have, the more you want; Start eating, and you'll quickly get hungry.
[“As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on.”
Hamlet, i. 2.
["It's as if the more you eat, the hungrier you become
From whatever you're consuming.”
Hamlet, Act I, Scene 2.
“L’appétit vient en mangeant, disait Angeston, mais la soif s’en
va en buvant.”—Rabelais, Gargantua, i.]
“Appetite comes with eating, Angeston used to say, but thirst goes away with drinking.” —Rabelais, Gargantua, i.]
*Il n’est chère que d’appétit = Hunger is the best sauce.
*Il n’est chère que d’appétit = Hunger is the best seasoning.
[“Ἡ ἐπιθυμία τοῦ σίτου ὄψον.”
Xenophon, Cyrop. i. 5, 12.]
[“The desire for grain is food.”
Xenophon, Cyrop. 1. 5, 12.
*Pain dérobé réveille appétit = Stolen joys are sweet.
*Pain dérobé réveille appétit = Stolen joys are sweet.
Les malheurs s’apprennent bien vite = Ill news flies fast
(or, apace).
Bad news travels fast = Ill news flies fast
(or, quickly).
Vous apprendrez avec plaisir.... = You will be glad to hear....
Vous apprendrez avec plaisir.... = You will be happy to hear....
*Ce n’est pas à un vieux singe qu’on apprend à faire des
grimaces (fam.) = One does not teach one’s grandmother to suck
eggs. (See Remontrer.)
*Ce n’est pas à un vieux singe qu’on apprend à faire des
grimaces (fam.) = You can't teach an old dog new tricks. (See Remontrer.)
[The Greek equivalent was, “To teach an eagle to fly,” or “to
teach a dolphin to swim.”—Zenob. ii. 49.
[The Greek equivalent was, “To teach an eagle to fly,” or “to teach a dolphin to swim.”—Zenob. ii. 49.]
The Romans said, “Sus Minervam docet.” Cf. Cicero, De
Oratore, ii. 57.]
The Romans said, “The pig teaches Minerva.” Cf. Cicero, De Oratore, ii. 57.]
*Apprenti n’est pas maître = One must not expect from a
beginner the talent of an old hand; You must spoil before you
spin.
*i lang="fr">Apprenti n’est pas maître = You can’t expect a beginner to have the skills of an experienced person; You have to mess up before you get it right.
Mur à hauteur d’appui = A wall breast high (so that one may
lean against it).
Mur à hauteur d’appui = A wall that's waist-high (so you can lean against it).
Faites la proposition, j’irai à l’appui de la boule = You make
the proposal, and I will support it.
Faites la proposition, j’irai à l’appui de la boule = You make the proposal, and I will back it up.
[This idiom comes from the game of bowls, when by hitting your
partner’s ball you may drive it nearer the goal, though unable to
approach yourself.]
[This expression comes from the game of bowling, where hitting your partner’s ball can move it closer to the target, even if you can’t get closer yourself.]
Vous vous appuyez sur un roseau = You are trusting to a broken
reed.
Vous vous appuyez sur un roseau = You are leaning on a weak support.
*Après lui il faut tirer l’échelle = One cannot do better than
he has; No one can come up to him in that; That takes the cake.
*Après lui il faut tirer l’échelle* = One can't do better than he has; No one can match him in that; That's unbeatable.
[Comp. Molière, Médecin malgré lui, ii. 1.]
[Comp. Molière, The Doctor in Spite of Himself, ii. 1.]
*Jeter le manche après la cognée = To throw the helve after the
hatchet; To give up in despair.
Jeter le manche après la cognée = To throw the handle after the hatchet; To give up in despair.
*Après nous le déluge = A short life and a merry one; We need
not bother about what will happen after we are gone.
*Après nous le déluge = A short life and a fun one; We don’t have to worry about what happens after we're gone.
[These words were attributed to Madame de Pompadour
(1721-1764) in reply to those who remonstrated with her for
her extravagance—“When I am gone, the deluge may come for
all I care.” (See Desprez, Essai sur la Marquise de
Pompadour, a preface to his Mémoirs de Madame du Hausset.)
The same idea occurs in the Greek proverb quoted by Cicero (De
Finibus, iii. 19), “Ἐμοῦ θανόντος γαῖα μιχθήτω πυρί.” Milton suggests Tiberius as saying, “When
I die, let the earth be rolled in flames.”—Reason of Church
Government, i. 5.]
[These words were attributed to Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) in response to those who criticized her for her extravagance—“When I’m gone, the deluge can come for all I care.” (See Desprez, Essai sur la Marquise de Pompadour, a preface to his Mémoirs de Madame du Hausset.) The same idea appears in the Greek proverb quoted by Cicero (De Finibus, iii. 19), “When I die, let the earth be mixed with fire.” Milton suggests Tiberius as saying, “When I die, let the earth be rolled in flames.”—Reason of Church Government, i. 5.]
Avoir une araignée dans le (or, au) plafond = To have a bee
in one’s bonnet.
Avoir une araignée dans le (or, au) plafond = To have a bee in your bonnet.
*Entre l’arbre et l’écorce il ne faut pas mettre le doigt = One
must not interfere in other people’s quarrels.
*i lang="fr">Between the tree and the bark, you shouldn't stick your finger = You shouldn’t get involved in other people's arguments.
[This proverb has been travestied by Molière, who makes Sganarelle
say: “Apprenez que Cicéron dit qu’entre l’arbre et le doigt il ne
faut pas mettre l’écorce.”—Le Médecin malgré lui, i. 2.]
[This proverb has been twisted by Molière, who makes Sganarelle say: “Learn that Cicero said that between the tree and the finger, one should not put the bark.”—Le Médecin malgré lui, i. 2.]
L’arbre ne tombe pas au premier coup = Everything requires time
and exertion; Rome was not built in a day.
L’arbre ne tombe pas au premier coup
Quand l’arbre est tombé tout le monde court aux branches = When
the tree falls every one goeth to it with his hatchet.
Quand l’arbre est tombé tout le monde court aux branches = When the tree falls, everyone rushes to grab a branch.
Il s’est toujours tenu au gros de l’arbre = He has always sided
with the stronger side.
Il s’est toujours tenu au gros de l’arbre = He has always sided with the winning team.
Débander l’arc ne guérit pas la plaie = To cease doing mischief
does not undo the harm one has done.
Débander l’arc ne guérit pas la plaie = Stopping bad behavior doesn't undo the damage you've caused.
Être ferme sur les arçons = (lit.) To have a firm seat in the
saddle; (fig.) Not to waver in one’s principles.
Être ferme sur les arçons = (lit.) To have a solid seat in the saddle; (fig.) Not to compromise your principles.
Il a vidé les arçons = He was unhorsed.
Il a vidé les arçons = He was thrown off his horse.
L’argent est un bon passe-partout = Gold goes in at any gate,
except heaven.
L’argent est un bon passe-partout = Money gets you in anywhere, except heaven.
[“Amour fait moult
Mais argent fait tout.”]
["Love can accomplish a lot
But money can achieve anything.”]
Être cousu d’argent = To be made of money; To be rolling in
riches.
Être cousu d’argent = To be made of money; To be loaded.
Il est chargé d’argent comme un crapaud de plumes = He is
penniless.
Il est chargé d’argent comme un crapaud de plumes = He is broke.
Y aller bon jeu bon argent = To set about a thing in earnest.
Y aller bon jeu bon argent = To dive into something seriously.
*Point d’argent, point de Suisse = No money, no Swiss; No pay,
no piper.
Point d’argent, point de Suisse = No cash, no Swiss; No pay, no piper.
[In the Middle Ages the Swiss were the chief mercenaries of
Europe, and occasionally had to resort to severe measures to
obtain their pay. Compare Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.
One day when the Swiss were asking for their pay from the king
the French Prime Minister said: “The money we have given these
Swiss would pave a road from Paris to Basle.” To which the Swiss
commander replied: “And the blood we have shed for France would
fill a river from Basle to Paris!”]
[In the Middle Ages, the Swiss were the main mercenaries in Europe and sometimes had to take drastic actions to get their pay. Compare Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1. One day when the Swiss were demanding their payment from the king, the French Prime Minister said: “The money we’ve given these Swiss could pave a road from Paris to Basle.” To which the Swiss commander replied: “And the blood we’ve spilled for France could fill a river from Basle to Paris!”]
Payer argent comptant = To pay ready money; To pay in hard cash.
Payer argent comptant = To pay cash; To pay in real money.
[Synonyms are: En beaux deniers comptants or, en espèces
sonnantes et trébuchantes.]
[Synonyms are: En beaux deniers comptants or, en espèces sonnantes et trébuchantes.]
Prendre quelque chose pour argent comptant = To take something
for gospel.
Prendre quelque chose pour argent comptant = To take something at face value.
Je suis à court d’argent (fam. à sec) = I am short of money
(fam. hard up, broke).
Je suis à court d’argent (fam. à sec) = I'm out of money
(fam. broke, cash-strapped).
*Qui n’a pas argent en bourse, ait miel en bouche = He who has
not silver in his purse should have honey on his tongue.
*Qui n’a pas argent en bourse, ait miel en bouche = If you don’t have money in your wallet, you should have sweet words to say.*
*Argent emprunté porte tristesse = He who goes a-borrowing goes
a-sorrowing.
*Borrowed money brings sadness = He who borrows money feels the pain.
Représenter les armes de Bourges = To look stupid.
Représenter les armes de Bourges = To look foolish.
[The arms of Bourges are an ass sitting in an armchair.]
[The coat of arms of Bourges features an ass sitting in an armchair.]
Les armes sont journalières = Victory is fickle.
Les armes sont journalières = Victory is unpredictable.
On se l’arrache = (of persons) He is the rage; (of things)
There is a regular scramble for it.
On se l’arrache = (of persons) He is the talk of the town; (of things) There is a constant rush for it.
Mentir comme un arracheur de dents = To lie unblushingly; To
lie like an epitaph.
Mentir comme un arracheur de dents = To lie without shame; To lie like an epitaph.
Comme vous voilà arrangé! = What a sight you look!
Comme vous voilà arrangé! = What a sight you look!
Je l’ai arrangé de la bonne manière = I gave him what he richly
deserved.
Je l’ai arrangé de la bonne manière = I gave him what he deserved.
Arrangez-vous = That is your business; Settle it among
yourselves.
Arrangez-vous = That's your problem; Work it out among yourselves.
Mettre un officier aux arrêts = To put an officer under arrest.
Mettre un officier aux arrêts = To arrest an officer.
Garder les arrêts = To keep to one’s quarters.
Garder les arrêts = To stay in one’s own space.
Lever les arrêts = To release from arrest.
Lever les arrêts = To lift the arrest.
C’est un homme qui arrivera = He is sure to get on in the world.
C’est un homme qui arrivera = He is destined to succeed in life.
*Un malheur n’arrive jamais seul = Misfortunes never come
singly; It never rains but it pours.
*i lang="fr">Un malheur n’arrive jamais seul = Misfortunes never come alone; It never rains but it pours.
*Cela arrive comme marée en carême = That comes just in the
nick of time (lit. as sea-fish in Lent). See Carême.
*Cela arrive comme marée en carême = That comes just in the nick of time (lit. as sea-fish in Lent). See Carême.
Être à l’article de la mort (or, à l’agonie) = To be at
death’s door.
Être à l’article de la mort (or, à l’agonie) = To be on the verge of death.
[Lat. In articulo mortis.]
*Qui se ressemble, s’assemble = Birds of a feather flock
together; Like will to like.
*Qui se ressemble, s’assemble = People with similar interests stick together; Like attracts like.
Il n’est pas dans son assiette = He is not in his normal state
of mind; He is out of sorts; He is not up to the mark.
Il n’est pas dans son assiette = He is not himself; He is feeling off; He is not at his best.
Son assiette dîne pour lui = He pays for his dinner whether he
is present or not.
Son assiette dîne pour lui = He covers his dinner bill whether he's there or not.
C’est un casseur d’assiettes = He is a swaggerer (a Mohock, in
eighteenth century parlance).
C’est un casseur d’assiettes = He is a show-off (a Mohock, in eighteenth century language).
C’est un pique-assiette = He is a parasite, a sponge.
C’est un pique-assiette = He is a freeloader, a mooch.
L’assiette des impôts = The assessment of taxes.
L’assiette des impôts = The determination of taxes.
Le pauvre homme est toujours (comme un chien) à l’attache =
The poor man is a very slave, is compelled to work hard and
constantly.
Le pauvre homme est toujours (comme un chien) à l’attache = The poor man is like a dog on a leash, forced to work hard and all the time.
*Attacher le grelot = To bell the cat.
*Attacher le grelot = To bell the cat.
[La Fontaine, Conseil tenu par les rats. For an
explanation of the phrase see Grelot.]
[La Fontaine, Council Held by the Rats. For an
explanation of the phrase see Grelot.]
*Attaquer le taureau par les cornes = To seize the bull by the
horns.
*i lang="fr">Attaquer le taureau par les cornes = To take the bull by the horns.
Porter atteinte (à l’honneur de) = To sully (the fair name of).
Porter atteinte (à l’honneur de) = To damage (someone's reputation).
Porter atteinte (aux droits de) = To infringe (the rights of).
Porter atteinte (aux droits de) = To violate (the rights of).
C’est une charrette mal attelée = They are a badly-matched pair.
C’est une charrette mal attelée = They are a mismatched pair.
Une question n’attendait pas l’autre = Question quickly
followed after question.
Une question n’attendait pas l’autre = Questions came one after another.
Je m’y attendais = That is just what I expected.
Je m’y attendais = That’s exactly what I expected.
Attendez-vous-y = You may depend upon it; (or, ironic.) Don’t
you wish you may get it!
Attendez-vous-y = You can count on it; (or, sarcastically.) Don’t you hope you can get it!
*Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre = Everything comes to
the man who waits; Time and patience change the mulberry leaf
into a silk gown.
Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre = Everything comes to those who wait; Time and patience turn the mulberry leaf into a silk dress.
On peut s’attendre à tout, surtout à l’inattendu = One may
expect anything, especially the unexpected.
On peut s’attendre à tout, surtout à l’inattendu = You can expect anything, especially the unexpected.
Attrape qui peut! = Scramble for it!
Attrape qui peut! = Grab it if you can!
Attrape! = 1. Catch! 2. Take that! 3. It serves you right.
Attrape! = 1. Catch! 2. Gotcha! 3. That's what you get.
Audience à huis clos = A case heard in camera.
Audience à huis clos = A case heard in camera.
Les hommes ne se mesurent pas à l’aune = Men are not to be
judged by their size.
Les hommes ne se mesurent pas à l’aune = Men shouldn't be judged by their size.
[M. Thiers, who was very short, used to say: “Les liqueurs
précieuses se conservent dans de petits flacons” = Rich wares in
small parcels.]
[M. Thiers, who was very short, used to say: “Rare liqueurs are stored in small bottles” = Rich items in small packages.]
Savoir ce qu’en vaut l’aune = To know a thing to one’s cost.
Savoir ce qu’en vaut l’aune = To learn the hard way.
Mesurer les autres à son aune = To measure other people’s peck
by one’s own bushel.
Mesurer les autres à son aune = To judge others by one's own standards.
Tout le long de l’aune = By the yard; Plenty of it.
Tout le long de l’aune = By the yard; A lot of it.
*Travail d’aurore amène l’or = Early to bed and early to rise,
makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
*Travail d’aurore amène l’or = Going to bed early and waking up early makes a person healthy, rich, and smart.*
[The late H. Stacy Marks, R.A., parodied this: “Early to bed and
early to rise, No use—unless you advertise.”
[The late H. Stacy Marks, R.A., made a joke about this: “Going to bed early and waking up early is pointless—unless you promote yourself.”]
The German equivalent is, “Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund”—The
morning hour has gold in its mouth.
The German equivalent is, “Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund”—The morning hour has gold in its mouth.
This is also found in Italian: “Le ore del mattino hanno l’oro in
bocca.”]
This is also found in Italian: “The morning hours have gold in their mouth.”
Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait = No sooner said than done.
Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait = No sooner said than done.
Cela est fini ou autant vaut = It is as good as finished.
Cela est fini ou autant vaut = It's basically finished.
*Autant de têtes, autant d’avis = So many men, so many minds.
*Autant de têtes, autant d’avis = So many people, so many opinions.*
[“Quot homines, tot sententiæ.”—Terence, Phormio, ii.
4. Also: “Autant de gens, autant de sens.”]
[“As many people, as many opinions.”—Terence, Phormio, ii. 4. Also: “As many people, as many opinions.”]
Autant lui en pend au nez (or, à l’oreille) = He will get
just the same (in bad sense).
Autant lui en pend au nez (or, à l’oreille) = He's going to get what's coming to him (in a bad way).
Autant vaut être mordu d’un chien que d’une chienne = One evil
is as bad as the other.
Autant vaut être mordu d’un chien que d’une chienne = One harm is just as bad as the other.
Autant dire mille francs = We may as well say £40. (See
Aller.)
Autant dire mille francs = We might as well say £40. (See Aller.)
Autant vaut celui qui tient que celui qui écorche = The
receiver is as bad as the thief.
Autant vaut celui qui tient que celui qui écorche = The person who receives stolen goods is just as bad as the thief.
[A hexameter of Phocylides says:
ἀμφότεροι κλῶπες, καὶ ὁ δεξάμενος καὶ ὁ κλέψας.]
[A hexameter of Phocylides says:
Both are thieves: the one who takes and the one who stole.]
C’est toujours autant de gagné = That’s always so much to the
good. (See Prendre.)
C’est toujours autant de gagné = That's always such a benefit. (See Prendre.)
*Qui sert à l’autel doit vivre de l’autel = Every man must live
by his profession.
*Qui sert à l’autel doit vivre de l’autel = Everyone must make a living from what they do.
Il en prendrait sur l’autel = He would rob a church.
Il en prendrait sur l’autel = He would steal from the altar.
Tourner autour du pot = To beat about the bush.
Tourner autour du pot = To avoid getting to the point.
[German: “Wie die Katze um den Brei laufen.”]
[German: “Wie die Katze um den Brei laufen.”]
Il ne faut pas confondre autour avec alentour = One must not
mix up two things entirely different.
Il ne faut pas confondre autour avec alentour = One shouldn't confuse two completely different things.
[The gamin of Paris adds to this saying: “ni intelligence avec
gendarme.”]
[The gamin of Paris adds to this saying: “no intelligence with a cop.”]
Comme dit l’autre = As the saying is.
Comme dit l’autre = As the saying goes.
Nous parlions de choses et d’autres = We were speaking of
different things.
Nous parlions de choses et d’autres = We were talking about various things.
C’est tout un ou tout autre = It is either one thing or the
other.
C’est tout un ou tout autre = It's either one thing or the other.
L’un vaut l’autre = One is as bad as the other.
L’un vaut l’autre = One is just as bad as the other.
Il en sait bien d’autres = He knows more than one trick.
Il en sait bien d’autres = He knows more than one trick.
C’est une autre paire de manches = That is quite another thing;
That is a horse of another colour.
C’est une autre paire de manches = That's something completely different;
That's a whole different ball game.
Il n’en fait pas d’autres = That is always the way with him; He
is at it again.
Il n’en fait pas d’autres = That's just how he is; he's doing it again.
Allez conter cela à d’autres = Tell that to the marines.
Allez conter cela à d’autres = Tell that to the marines.
[Often shortened to “À d’autres.”]
[Often shortened to “À d’autres.”]
Nous autres Anglais sommes très réservés = We English are very
reserved.
Nous autres Anglais sommes très réservés = We English are quite reserved.
[“Nous autres ignorants estions perdus si ce livre ne nous eust
relevé du bourbier.” Montaigne, Essais, ii. 4, speaking
of Amyot’s translation of Plutarch.]
[“We, the ignorant, would have been lost if this book hadn't pulled us out of the mud.” Montaigne, Essais, ii. 4, speaking of Amyot’s translation of Plutarch.]
*Autres temps, autres mœurs = Manners change with the times.
Autres temps, autres mœurs = Times change, and so do manners.
J’en ai vu bien d’autres = I have outlived worse things than
that.
J’en ai vu bien d’autres = I've seen worse than that.
Faire avaler des couleuvres à quelqu’un = To say very
humiliating things to a man who, on account of his inferior
position, is obliged to put up with them; To make any one swallow
a bitter pill.
Faire avaler des couleuvres à quelqu’un = To say very humiliating things to someone who, due to their lower status, has to endure them; To make anyone accept something unpleasant.
Votre montre avance de dix minutes = Your watch is ten minutes
fast.
Votre montre avance de dix minutes = Your watch is ten minutes fast.
[Compare: “Votre montre retarde de dix minutes” = Your watch is
ten minutes slow.]
[Compare: “Your watch is ten minutes slow.”]
Cela m’avance bien! (ironic.) = What good is that to me?
Cela m’avance bien! (ironic.) = What’s the point of that for me?
Vous voilà bien avancé! (ironic.) = Here you are in a pretty
mess! What good have you gained by that?
Vous voilà bien avancé! (ironic.) = Here you are in quite a mess! What have you really gained from this?
Je n’en suis pas plus avancé = I am none the wiser (or,
nearer).
Je n’en suis pas plus avancé = I am no further ahead (or, closer).
Vous allez trop avant = You are going too far.
Vous allez trop avant = You're going too far.
Ils sont arrivés bien avant dans la nuit = They arrived very
late at night.
Ils sont arrivés bien avant dans la nuit = They arrived very late at night.
*A père avare, enfant prodigue = A miserly father has a
spendthrift son.
*A père avare, enfant prodigue = A stingy father has a wasteful son.*
[“A femme avare, galant escroc.”
La Fontaine, Contes,ii.]
[“A greedy woman, charming scammer.”
La Fontaine, Stories, ii.]
Avec ça! (colloquial) = Nonsense!
*Un bon averti (or, prévenu) en vaut deux = A man well
warned is twice a man; Forewarned, forearmed.
*Un bon averti (or, prévenu) en vaut deux = A man well warned is twice as strong; Forewarned is forearmed.
C’est un homme sans aveu = He is a vagabond.
C’est un homme sans aveu = He's a drifter.
[In feudal times a vassal had to make an avowal to his lord of
the lands he held, placing them under his lord’s protection. A man
who had no property could not do so.]
[In feudal times, a vassal had to make an avowal to his lord regarding the lands he held, placing them under his lord’s protection. A man without property could not do this.]
*Rien ne soulage comme un aveu sincère = Open confession is
good for the soul.
Rien ne soulage comme un aveu sincère = A sincere confession is good for the soul.
Crier comme un aveugle (qui a perdu son bâton or, son
chien) = To yell with all one’s might.
Crier comme un aveugle (qui a perdu son bâton or, son chien) = To scream at the top of your lungs.
[A variant is: Crier comme un sourd, although deaf people
generally speak very quietly.]
[A variant is: Crier comme un sourd, although deaf people generally speak very quietly.]
Il est toujours du bon avis = His opinion is always good.
Il est toujours du bon avis = His opinion is always valuable.
Il y a jour d’avis = There is no hurry; There is plenty of time
for consideration.
Il y a jour d’avis = Take your time; There's plenty of time to think it over.
*Avis au lecteur = A note to the reader; A word to the wise;
Verb. sap.
*Avis au lecteur = A note to the reader; A word to the wise;
Verb. sap.
(Il) m’est avis qu’il cherche à vous tromper = Somehow I think
he wants to deceive you.
(Il) m’est avis qu’il cherche à vous tromper = I think he’s trying to trick you.
*Deux avis valent mieux qu’un = Two heads are better than one.
Deux avis valent mieux qu’un = Two heads are better than one.
[The Greeks said: εἷς ἀνήρ, οὐδεὶς ἀνήρ = One man, no man.]
[The Greeks said: εἷς ἀνήρ, οὐδεὶς ἀνήρ = One man, no man.]
Sauf avis contraire = Unless I hear (or, write) to the
contrary.
Sauf avis contraire = Unless I hear (or, write) otherwise.
C’est un avisé compère = He is a cunning fellow.
C’est un avisé compère = He is a clever guy.
On y avisera = We will see to it.
On y avisera = We will take care of it.
Il ne s’avise jamais de rien = He never thinks of anything; He
has no initiative.
Il ne s’avise jamais de rien = He never thinks of anything; he has no initiative.
On ne s’avise jamais de tout = One never thinks of everything.
On ne s’avise jamais de tout = You never think of everything.
Ne vous en avisez pas = You had better not.
Ne vous en avisez pas = You better not.
Un fou avise bien un sage = Good advice often comes whence we
do not expect it.
Un fou avise bien un sage = Good advice often comes from unexpected places.
Un verre de vin avise bien un homme = A glass of wine puts wit
into a man.
Un verre de vin avise bien un homme = A glass of wine sharpens a man's wit.
[The French use avoir frequently where we use to be, as
in—Avoir faim, soif, chaud, froid, raison, tort,
pitié, honte, peur, soin, besoin, mal = To be hungry,
thirsty, hot, cold, right, wrong, sorry, ashamed, afraid, careful,
in want, ill.]
[The French use avoir a lot where we use to be, like in—Avoir faim, soif, chaud, froid, raison, tort, pitié, honte, peur, soin, besoin, mal = To be hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, right, wrong, sorry, ashamed, afraid, careful, in need, ill.]
J’aurai raison de son entêtement = I will master his obstinacy.
J’aurai raison de son entêtement = I will overcome his stubbornness.
J’en ai bien envie = I should like it very much.
J’en ai bien envie = I would really like that.
Elle n’a pour tout bien que sa beauté = She has nothing but her
beauty in her favour; Her face is her fortune.
Elle n’a pour tout bien que sa beauté = She has nothing but her beauty on her side; Her looks are her wealth.
J’en ai pour deux heures = I shall be two hours over it.
J’en ai pour deux heures = I will take two hours to finish it.
J’en ai pour six mois à m’ennuyer = I am looking forward to
(or, in for) six months’ boredom.
J’en ai pour six mois à m’ennuyer = I’m in for six months of boredom.
Vous avez la parole = It is your turn to speak.
Vous avez la parole = It's your turn to talk.
Vous avez la main = It’s your turn to play (at cards).
Vous avez la main = It's your turn to play (at cards).
Vous avez le dé = It’s your turn to play (at dice).
Vous avez le dé = It’s your turn to play (at dice).
Il ne fera cela qu’autant que vous l’aurez pour agréable = He
will never think of doing it if you object to it.
Il ne fera cela qu’autant que vous l’aurez pour agréable = He will only do it if you’re okay with it.
Avoir de quoi (pop.) = To be in easy circumstances.
Avoir de quoi (slang) = To be well off.
J’ai de quoi payer = I have enough money to pay.
J’ai de quoi payer = I have enough cash to cover it.
Il y a de quoi = (lit.) There is good reason; (ironic.) There
is no reason.
Il y a de quoi = (lit.) There’s good reason; (ironic.) There’s no reason.
Je vous demande pardon.—Il n’y a pas de quoi = I beg your
pardon.—Pray do not mention it.
Je vous demande pardon.—Il n’y a pas de quoi = I’m sorry.—Don’t mention it.
J’ai beau dire, il en fera à sa tête = It is of no use my
talking, he will do as he likes.
J’ai beau dire, il en fera à sa tête = No matter how much I say, he will do whatever he wants.
C’est un homme que j’ai dans la main = He is a man I hold in
the hollow of my hand, i.e. I can make him do what I like.
C’est un homme que j’ai dans la main = He is a man I can control, i.e. I can make him do whatever I want.
Qu’avez vous? J’ai que je m’ennuie = What is the matter with
you? The matter is that I am bored to death.
Qu’avez vous? J’ai que je m’ennuie = What's wrong with you? The thing is, I'm bored to death.
Vous en aurez = You will catch it.
Vous en aurez = You will get it.
Contre qui en avez-vous? = Against whom have you a grudge?
Contre qui en avez-vous? = Who do you hold a grudge against?
Il n’est rien de tel que d’en avoir = There is nothing like
money to make one respected.
Il n’est rien de tel que d’en avoir = There’s nothing quite like having money to earn respect.
Quand il n’y en a plus, il y en a encore = The thing is
inexhaustible; It is easy to get more.
Quand il n’y en a plus, il y en a encore = The thing is
endless; It's easy to get more.
Il n’y a qu’à pleuvoir = It may happen to rain; What if it
rains?
Il n’y a qu’à pleuvoir = It might rain; What if it rains?
Je vais lui dire cela.—Non, il n’aurait qu’à se fâcher = I
will tell him that.—No, don’t, he might get angry.
Je vais lui dire cela.—Non, il n’aurait qu’à se fâcher = I will tell him that.—No, don’t, he might get upset.
C’est un homme comme il n’y en a point = He is a man who has
not his match; There is no equal to him.
C’est un homme comme il n’y en a point = He is a man like no other; There is no one who compares to him.
En avril
Ne te découvre pas d’un fil
= Change not a clout
Till May be out.
In April
Don't remove a single thread
= Don’t change a thing
Until May arrives.
[En mai
Fais ce qu’il te plaît.]
[In May
Do whatever you want.]
B.
Être marqué au b = To be either hump-backed, one-eyed, lame, or
a stutterer.
Être marqué au b = To be either hunch-backed, one-eyed, lame, or a stutterer.
[i.e. bossu, borgne, boiteux, ou bègue.]
[i.e. hunchback, blind, lame, or stutterer.]
Bâcler son ouvrage = To do one’s work quickly and badly; To
“polish off” (or, scamp) one’s work.
Bâcler son ouvrage = To finish one’s work quickly and poorly; To “wrap up” (or, rush) one’s work.
[Also: travailler à dépêche-compagnon.]
[Also: work at dépêche-compagnon.]
*“On ne badine pas avec l’amour” = Love is not to be trifled
with.
*“On ne badine pas avec l’amour” = Love is serious business.*
[This is the title of one of Alfred de Musset’s Proverbes. See
Porte.]
[This is the title of one of Alfred de Musset’s Proverbes. See Porte.]
Quel est le bagage de cet auteur? = What works has that author
written? What is that author’s output?
Quel est le bagage de cet auteur? = What has that author written? What is that author's body of work?
Plier bagage = To pack up and be off.
Plier bagage = To pack up and leave.
Bagatelles que tout cela = That is all stuff and nonsense.
Bagatelles que tout cela = That’s just trivial nonsense.
Vive la bagatelle! = Away with care!
Vive la bagatelle! = Let go of worries!
Cette place est une bague au doigt = That position is a
sinecure.
Cette place est une bague au doigt = That position is an easy job.
[C’est une bague au doigt is said of any advantageous possession
of which one can dispose easily. Quitard derives it from the
custom of the seller of land giving to the purchaser as his title
a ring on which both had sworn.]
[C’est une bague au doigt refers to any beneficial possession that one can easily manage. Quitard traces its origin to the practice where a land seller would give the buyer a ring as a token of ownership, on which both had sworn.]
Mener les gens à la baguette = To rule men with a rod of iron;
To be a martinet.
Mener les gens à la baguette = To control people with an iron fist;
To be a strict disciplinarian.
Il y a toujours l’un qui baise et l’autre qui tend la joue =
Love is never exactly reciprocal.
Il y a toujours l’un qui baise et l’autre qui tend la joue = Love is never completely equal.
[Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, iv. 5.]
[Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, act 4, scene 5.]
Baisser l’oreille = To look confused (or, sheepish.)
Baisser l’oreille = To look confused (or, embarrassed.)
[From the action of dogs when expecting a beating.]
[From the action of dogs when expecting a beating.]
Ma vue baisse = I am getting short-sighted; My sight is failing.
Ma vue baisse = I’m becoming nearsighted; My vision is getting worse.
[In this sense baisser means to weaken, and is also used of
moral and intellectual qualities, as: le sens moral a baissé,
ma mémoire baisse.]
[In this sense baisser means to weaken and is also used regarding moral and intellectual qualities, such as: le sens moral a baissé, ma mémoire baisse.]
Il a donné tête baissée dans le piège (panneau) = He ran
headlong into the trap.
Il a donné tête baissée dans le piège (panneau) = He rushed headfirst into the trap.
Je lui ai fait baisser les yeux = I stared him out of
countenance.
Je lui ai fait baisser les yeux = I made him look down.
Il n’a qu’à se baisser pour en prendre = He has only to stoop
and pick it up; He has merely to ask for it to get it.
Il n’a qu’à se baisser pour en prendre = He just has to bend down and pick it up; He can simply ask for it to get it.
*Il n’est rien de tel que balai neuf = A new broom sweeps clean.
Il n’est rien de tel que balai neuf = A new broom sweeps clean.
On lui a donné du balai = They gave him the sack (i.e.
dismissed him).
On lui a donné du balai = They fired him (i.e. dismissed him).
Donner un coup de balai = To make a clean sweep.
Donner un coup de balai = To make a clean sweep.
Faire pencher la balance = To turn the scale.
Faire pencher la balance = To tip the scales.
Il n’y a pas à balancer = We must not hesitate, but act.
Il n’y a pas à balancer = We shouldn’t hesitate, just take action.
Une balle perdue = A wasted shot; A useless effort.
Une balle perdue = A lost bullet; A pointless effort.
Une balle morte = A spent ball.
Une balle morte = A spent ball.
A vous la balle = It is now your turn to act.
A vous la balle = It's your turn to take action.
Renvoyer la balle = To return the compliment.
Renvoyer la balle = To return the compliment.
Prendre la balle au bond = Not to miss an opportunity; To take
time by the forelock; To make hay while the sun shines.
Prendre la balle au bond = Not missing an opportunity; Seizing the moment; Making the most of the chance while it lasts.
[Also: Prendre l’occasion aux cheveux.
Compare:
“Rem tibi quam nosces, aptam dimittere noli;
Fronte capillata post est Occasio calva.”
Cato, Distichs, ii. 26.
Compare:
“Don’t miss the chance you recognize;
Opportunity may be tough to approach but leaves you with nothing if ignored.”
Cato, Distichs, ii. 26.
“Her lockes, that loathly were and hoarie grey,
Grew all afore, and loosely hong unrold,
But all behind was bald, and worne away
That none thereof could ever taken hold.”
Spenser, Faerie Queene, ii. 4, 4.
“Her hair, which was dull and gray,
Grew all in the front and hung down loosely,
But all the way in the back was bare and worn down,
So that no one could ever grab hold of it.”
Spenser, Faerie Queene, ii. 4, 4.
“Occasion turneth a bald noddle after she hath presented her locks
in front and no hold taken.”
Bacon, Essays, xxi.
“Opportunity comes to someone who has presented themselves and taken no action.”
Bacon, Essays, xxi.
“Remember the old adage and make use o’t,
Occasion’s bald behind.”
Massinger, Guardian, iv. 1.]
“Remember the old saying and make the most of it,
Opportunities don’t come by very often.”
Massinger, Guardian, iv. 1.]
Il s’en acquittera bien, c’est un enfant de la balle = He will
do it well, he is his father’s son.
Il s’en acquittera bien, c’est un enfant de la balle = He'll handle it well, he's his father's son.
[Originally this was applied to children of tennis-players, but
now to all who follow the profession of their fathers.]
[Originally this was applied to children of tennis players, but now it's used for anyone who follows their father's profession.]
Il lança un ballon d’essai avant de produire son grand ouvrage
= He sent out a feeler before publishing his great work.
Il lança un ballon d’essai avant de produire son grand ouvrage
= He put out a test balloon before releasing his major work.
Le roi convoqua le ban et l’arrière-ban = The king assembled
all his dependants.
Le roi convoqua le ban et l’arrière-ban = The king gathered all his followers.
[Le ban were the king’s direct vassals, such as earls, barons,
and knights; l’arrière-ban were the king’s indirect vassals,
or the vassals of vassals. “A proclamation whereby all (except
some privileged officers and citizens) that hold their lands
of the Crowne, are summoned to meet at a certaine place, there
to attend the King whithersoever and against whomsoever he
goes.”—Cotgrave.]
[Le ban were the king’s direct vassals, like earls, barons, and knights; l’arrière-ban were the king’s indirect vassals, or the vassals of vassals. “A proclamation summoning all (except a few privileged officers and citizens) who hold their lands from the Crown, to gather at a certain place, to attend the King wherever and against whomever he goes.”—Cotgrave.]
Faire bande à part = Not to mix with other people.
Faire bande à part = To keep to oneself.
[In Parliamentary parlance, “to form a cave” (of Adullam).]
[In Parliamentary terms, “to form a cave” (of Adullam).]
Jouer devant les banquettes = (of actors) To play to empty
benches.
Jouer devant les banquettes = (of actors) To perform for empty seats.
Se faire la barbe = To shave.
Rire dans sa barbe = To laugh in one’s sleeve.
Rire dans sa barbe = To chuckle to oneself.
[See Cape. This is used always of men, whereas rire sous cape
is used chiefly of women.]
[See Cape. This term is always used for men, while rire sous cape is mainly used for women.]
Je le lui dirai à sa barbe = I will say it to his face.
Je le lui dirai à sa barbe = I will say it to his face.
Je lui ferai la barbe quand il voudra = I will show him who is
master whenever he likes.
Je lui ferai la barbe quand il voudra = I'll show him who's in charge whenever he wants.
Vous arrivez trop tard, la barre est tirée = You are too late,
the line is drawn, the list is closed.
Vous arrivez trop tard, la barre est tirée = You're too late, the line is drawn, the list is closed.
Je ne fais que toucher barres = I am off again immediately.
Je ne fais que toucher barres = I'm off again right away.
J’ai barres sur lui = I have an advantage over him; I have the
whip-hand (the pull) over him.
J’ai barres sur lui = I have an edge over him; I have the upper hand over him.
[Expressions taken from the game of barres, or prisoner’s base.]
[Expressions taken from the game of barres, or prisoner’s base.]
*A porte basse, passant courbé = One must bow to circumstances.
A porte basse, passant courbé = You have to bend down to fit the situation.
Il se retira l’oreille basse = He went away with his tail
between his legs.
Il se retira l’oreille basse = He walked away feeling defeated.
Les vainqueurs firent main basse sur les biens des habitants =
The victors pillaged the town.
Les vainqueurs firent main basse sur les biens des habitants = The winners looted the property of the townspeople.
Rester chapeau bas = To stand hat in hand.
Rester chapeau bas = To stand with your hat in hand.
Il m’a traité de haut en bas = He treated me contemptuously.
Il m’a traité de haut en bas = He looked down on me.
Vous ne savez pas où le bât le blesse = You do not know where
the shoe pinches him.
Vous ne savez pas où le bât le blesse = You don’t know where it hurts him.
[“Je sçay mieux où le bas me blesse.” Maistre Pierre Pathelin,
l. 1357. Bât = pack-saddle. Compare the German: Jeder weiss am
besten wo ihn der Schuh drückt.
[“I know better where the pain is.” Master Pierre Pathelin, l. 1357. Bât = pack-saddle. Compare the German: Everyone knows best where the shoe pinches.
The phrase first appears in Plutarch’s Life of Æmilius
Paullus. A certain Roman having forsaken his wife, her friends
fell out with him and asked what fault he found in her; was she
not faithful and fair, and had she not borne him many beautiful
children? He replied by putting forth his foot and saying: “Is not
this a goodly shoe? Is it not finely made, and is it not new? And
yet I dare say there is not one of you can tell where it pinches
me.”]
The phrase first appears in Plutarch's Life of Æmilius Paullus. A certain Roman left his wife, and her friends confronted him, asking what was wrong with her; was she not loyal and attractive, and hadn't she given him many beautiful children? He responded by showing his foot and saying: “Isn’t this a nice shoe? Isn’t it well made and brand new? And yet I bet none of you can tell where it hurts me.”
Inconnu au bataillon (fam.) = I don’t know him; No one knows
him.
Inconnu au bataillon (slang) = I don’t know him; No one knows him.
C’était une bataille rangée = It was a pitched battle.
C’était une bataille rangée = It was a full-on battle.
Cet argument est son cheval de bataille = That argument is his
stronghold; That is his great argument.
Cet argument est son cheval de bataille = That argument is his main point; That is his key argument.
Arriver en trois bateaux = To come with great fuss, in great
state, with unnecessary ceremony.
Arriver en trois bateaux = To arrive with a lot of drama, in style, with unnecessary fanfare.
[This expression is usually used sarcastically; it originates
from great personages or rich merchant-men being accompanied
by ships of war. Compare Rabelais, i. 16, and La
Fontaine, Fables, ix. 3. Le léopard et le singe qui
gagnent de l’argent à la foire.]
[This expression is usually used sarcastically; it comes from influential figures or wealthy merchants being accompanied by warships. Compare Rabelais, i. 16, and La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 3. Le léopard et le singe qui gagnent de l’argent à la foire.]
Il travaille à bâtons rompus = He works by fits and starts.
Il travaille à bâtons rompus = He works sporadically.
Conversation à bâtons rompus = Desultory talk.
Conversation à bâtons rompus = Casual chat.
Il cherchait à nous mettre des bâtons dans les roues = He tried
to put a spoke in our wheel.
Il cherchait à nous mettre des bâtons dans les roues = He tried to sabotage us.
Le tour du bâton = Perquisites, illicit profits.
Le tour du bâton = Benefits, illegal profits.
Ce sera mon bâton de vieillesse = He will be my support
(consolation) in my old age.
Ce sera mon bâton de vieillesse = He will be my support
(consolation) in my old age.
Il lui a battu froid = He gave him the cold shoulder.
Il lui a battu froid = He ignored him.
[Comp. “Majorum ne quis amicus frigore te
feriat.”—Horace, Sat., ii. 1.]
[Comp. “Let no friend harm you with coldness.”—Horace, Sat., ii. 1.]
Battre la campagne = 1. (lit.) To scour the country. 2. (fig.)
To talk nonsense. 3. (of invalids) To wander. 4. To beat about
the bush.
Battre la campagne = 1. (lit.) To search all over the countryside. 2. (fig.) To talk nonsense. 3. (of invalids) To roam around. 4. To avoid getting to the point.
Battre la breloque (berloque) = To talk nonsense.
Battre la breloque (berloque) = To speak nonsense.
Battre le pavé = 1. To loaf about. 2. To wander about in search
for work.
Battre le pavé = 1. To hang out. 2. To roam around looking for a job.
Tout battant neuf = All brand new.
Tout battant neuf = All brand new.
Battre le chien devant le loup = To pretend to be angry with
one person to deceive another.
Battre le chien devant le loup = To act like you're angry with one person to trick another.
Avoir les yeux battus = To look tired about the eyes.
Avoir les yeux battus = To have tired-looking eyes.
La fête battait son plein = The entertainment was at its
height.
La fête battait son plein = The party was in full swing.
Battre quelqu’un à plate couture = To beat some one hollow.
Battre quelqu’un à plate couture = To completely defeat someone.
[Literally, to beat some one so hard and thoroughly, as to flatten
the seams (coutures) of his coat.]
[Literally, to hit someone so hard and completely that it flattens the seams (coutures) of their coat.]
*Les battus payent l’amende = The weakest go to the wall; Those
who lose pay.
*Les battus payent l’amende = The weakest take the hit; Those who lose pay.
L’un bat les buissons et l’autre prend les oiseaux = One does
the work and the other reaps the advantage; One man starts the
game and another kills it.
L’un bat les buissons et l’autre prend les oiseaux = One does the work and the other reaps the benefits; One person starts the game and another finishes it.
*Autant vaut bien battu que mal battu = As well be hanged for a
sheep as a lamb; In for a penny, in for a pound. (See Chien.)
*Autant vaut bien battu que mal battu = Might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb; If you're going to risk it, you might as well go all in. (See Chien.)
Je n’ai pas foi dans son baume = I have no faith in his plan.
Je n’ai pas foi dans son baume = I don’t believe in his plan.
Quand les femmes sont ensemble, elles taillent des bavettes
à n’en plus finir = When women get together they indulge in
endless gossip.
Quand les femmes sont ensemble, elles taillent des bavettes à n’en plus finir = When women hang out, they can't stop gossiping.
Coucher à la belle étoile = To sleep out of doors.
Coucher à la belle étoile = To sleep under the stars.
Déchirer quelqu’un à belles dents = To criticise some one
mercilessly; To tear a person’s reputation to shreds.
Déchirer quelqu’un à belles dents = To criticize someone mercilessly; To destroy a person's reputation completely.
Il fera beau quand je retournerai chez lui = It will be a very
fine day when I go to his house again (i.e. I shall never go).
Il fera beau quand je retournerai chez lui = It will be a nice day when I go to his place again (i.e. I shall never go).
Voir tout en beau = To see everything through rose-coloured
spectacles. (See Noir.)
Voir tout en beau = To see everything through rose-tinted glasses. (See Noir.)
Faire le beau = (of dogs) To beg.
Faire le beau = (of dogs) To ask for treats.
Il y a beau temps que je ne vous ai (pas) vu = I have not
seen you for many a day.
Il y a beau temps que je ne vous ai (pas) vu = I haven't seen you in a long time.
J’en entends de belles sur votre compte = I hear nice goings-on
of you.
J’en entends de belles sur votre compte = I've heard some nice things about you.
Il en a fait de belles = He played nice tricks (ironic).
Il en a fait de belles = He pulled some nice tricks (ironic).
Il vous en conte de belles = He is telling you fine tales; He
is taking you in finely.
Il vous en conte de belles = He is spinning you nice stories; He is fooling you nicely.
Vous me la donnez (or, baillez) belle (ironic.) = A pretty
tale you are telling me; Aren’t you stuffing me up nicely?
You give it to me (or, yawn) pretty (sarcastically.) = You're telling me quite the story; Aren’t you filling me up nicely?
Ce que vous proposez est bel et bon, mais je n’en ferai rien =
What you propose is all very fine, but I shall do no such thing.
Ce que vous proposez est bel et bon, mais je n’en ferai rien = What you’re suggesting sounds great, but I’m not going to do that.
Être dans de beaux draps = To be in a pretty pickle (ironic).
Être dans de beaux draps = To be in a tight spot (ironic).
Vous l’avez échappé belle = You have had a narrow escape (or,
shave).
Vous l’avez échappé belle = You barely got away (or, close call).
Il a beau parler, il ne me convaincra pas = It is of no use for
him to speak, he will not convince me; Let him say what he will,
he will not convince me.
Il a beau parler, il ne me convaincra pas = No matter how much he talks, he won't convince me; He can say whatever he wants, he still won't convince me.
[The origin of this use of beau is obscure. Larousse suggests
the origin may be in the idea of having a fine field for
operations, which will be of no value, as our: “it is all very
fine for me to speak.”]
[The origin of this use of beau is unclear. Larousse suggests it might come from the idea of having a nice field for operations, which doesn't really make sense, as in: “it’s all very fine for me to speak.”]
Il recommença de plus belle = He began again worse than ever.
Il recommença de plus belle = He started over more intensely than ever.
Vous avez beau jeu = 1. (lit.) You have good cards. 2. (fig.)
You have the advantage.
Vous avez beau jeu = 1. (lit.) You have good cards. 2. (fig.) You have the upper hand.
*La belle plume fait le bel oiseau = Fine feathers make fine
birds.
*La belle plume fait le bel oiseau = Good style makes a good impression.*
Se mettre au beau = (of the weather) To clear up.
Se mettre au beau = (of the weather) To become clear.
Jouer la belle = To play the rubber (or third game, to see
which of the players is the conqueror).
Jouer la belle = To play the final game (or third game, to determine which player wins).
*Beaucoup de bruit pour rien = Much ado about nothing.
*Beaucoup de bruit pour rien = A lot of fuss over nothing.
La beauté ne se mange pas en salade = Beauty does not fill the
larder; Prettiness makes no pottage.
La beauté ne se mange pas en salade = Beauty doesn’t fill the pantry; Good looks don’t make a meal.
Il m’a tenu le bec dans l’eau = He kept me in suspense.
Il m’a tenu le bec dans l’eau = He kept me on the edge of my seat.
C’est un homme qui ne se laisse pas passer la plume par le bec
= He is a man not easily taken in.
C’est un homme qui ne se laisse pas passer la plume par le bec
= He is a man who doesn’t easily get fooled.
[Clerks bet a newcomer that he cannot write with a pen in his
mouth. On his endeavouring to do so, they pull the pen sharply
through his lips, thus inking his face. “Qu’on me fasse passer la
plume par le bec.” Molière, Les Femmes Savantes, iii.
6.]
[Clerks bet a newcomer that he can't write with a pen in his mouth. When he tries to do it, they yank the pen through his lips, inking his face. "Let someone pass the pen through my beak." Molière, Les Femmes Savantes, iii. 6.]
C’est un blanc bec = He is a beardless boy, greenhorn.
C’est un blanc bec = He is a naive young guy, rookie.
“Souffrez que je lui montre son bec jaune” = Allow me to show
him he is a silly goose.
“Souffrez que je lui montre son bec jaune” = Let me show him he's being foolish.
[Molière, Le Malade Imaginaire, iii. 17. Bec jaune or
béjaune is an allusion to young birds whose beaks are generally
yellow.]
[Molière, Le Malade Imaginaire, iii. 17. Bec jaune or
béjaune refers to young birds that typically have yellow beaks.]
Il a bec et ongles = He knows how to defend himself.
Il a bec et ongles = He knows how to stand up for himself.
Avoir bon bec (fam.) = To be a chatterbox; To speak well; To be
able to answer back.
Avoir bon bec (colloquial) = To be a talker; To communicate well; To be quick with a comeback.
[“Il n’est bon bec que de Paris” is the refrain of Villon’s
“Ballade des Femmes de Paris.”]
[“There’s no better beak than that of Paris” is the refrain of Villon’s “Ballad of the Women of Paris.”]
C’est une bécasse = She is a goose.
C’est une bécasse = She is a fool.
Bêcher quelqu’un (fam.) = To pick a person to pieces.
Bêcher quelqu’un (slang) = To tear someone apart.
Sous (or, par) bénéfice d’inventaire = 1. (lit. in a legal
sense) Without prejudice. 2. (fig.) Only to a certain point,
conditionally, for what it is worth, with a pinch of salt.
Sous (or, par) bénéfice d’inventaire = 1. (in a legal sense) Without any bias. 2. (figuratively) Only to a certain extent, conditionally, for what it's worth, with some skepticism.
[e.g. Il faut croire ce conte sous bénéfice d’inventaire. The
origin of the legal phrase arose from the fact that an inheritor
is liable for the debts of the deceased only in proportion to his
inheritance, which is verified by the inventory. Thus, if the
debts are more than the inheritance, a sole heir would decline to
inherit at all.
[e.g. One must consider this story with some skepticism. The origin of the legal phrase comes from the fact that an heir is responsible for the deceased's debts only up to the value of what they inherit, which is confirmed by the inventory. Therefore, if the debts exceed the inheritance, a sole heir would choose not to accept the inheritance at all.]
Compare:
“Un païen, qui sentait quelque peu le fagot
Et qui croyait en Dieu, pour user de ce mot,
Par bénéfice d’inventaire.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 19.]
Compare:
“A pagan, who had a hint of smoke about him
And who believed in God, if that's what we can call it,
By the benefit of a critique.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 19.
Il faut prendre le bénéfice avec les charges = One must take
the rough with the smooth.
Il faut prendre le bénéfice avec les charges = You have to take the good with the bad.
J’ai été bercé de cela = I have heard that from my cradle.
J’ai été bercé de cela = I've heard that since I was a child.
Bon berger tond mais n’écorche pas = We may use but not abuse
our subordinates.
Bon berger tond mais n’écorche pas = We can use our subordinates but we shouldn’t take advantage of them.
Avoir la berlue (fam.) = To see things which do not exist; To
have a wrong idea of anything.
Avoir la berlue (slang) = To see things that aren't there; To have a misconception about something.
Aimer la besogne faite = To hate work; To like to get work over.
Aimer la besogne faite = To dislike work; To prefer to finish work.
Abattre de la besogne = To get through a great deal of work.
Abattre de la besogne = To tackle a lot of work.
*On connaît les amis au besoin = A friend in need is a friend
indeed. (See Ami.)
*On connaît les amis au besoin = A friend in need is a friend indeed. (See Ami.)
*On a souvent besoin d’un plus petit que soi = A mouse may be
of service to a lion.
*On a souvent besoin d’un plus petit que soi = A mouse can help a lion.
[La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 11.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 11.]
*Morte la bête, mort le venin = Dead dogs cannot bite; Dead men
tell no tales.
Morte la bête, mort le venin = Dead dogs can't bite; Dead men tell no tales.
Cet homme est ma bête noire (mon cauchemar) = That man is my
pet aversion; I hate the very sight of that man.
Cet homme est ma bête noire (mon cauchemar) = That man is my pet peeve; I can't stand the sight of that man.
Pas si bête = Not so green, foolish.
Pas si bête = Not so naive, foolish.
Il est bête à manger du foin = He is a perfect idiot.
Il est bête à manger du foin = He is a complete idiot.
[Also: bête comme (un) chou, une oie, un pot, une cruche.]
[Also: dumb as a cabbage, a goose, a jar, a pitcher.]
*Qui se fait bête, le loup le mange = If one is too confiding,
one is imposed upon. (See Brebis.)
*Qui se fait bête, le loup le mange = If you’re too trusting, people will take advantage of you. (See Brebis.)
C’est une bonne bête (or, la bête du bon Dieu) = He is a
good-natured fellow (not over-clever).
C’est une bonne bête (or, la bête du bon Dieu) = He is a good-natured guy (not particularly smart).
Une bête à bon Dieu (or, bête à Dieu) = A ladybird.
Une bête à bon Dieu (or, bête à Dieu) = A ladybug.
Plus fin que lui n’est pas bête = It would take a smart man to
deceive him.
Plus fin que lui n’est pas bête = It takes a clever person to trick him.
On ne peut manier le beurre qu’on ne se graisse les doigts =
One cannot touch pitch without soiling one’s fingers; If you have
to do with money, some will stick.
On ne peut manier le beurre qu’on ne se graisse les doigts =
You can't touch pitch without getting your fingers dirty; If you're dealing with money, some will stick to you.
[“But I think they that touch pitch will be defiled.” Much Ado
about Nothing, iii. 3.]
[“But I believe those who come into contact with pitch will get dirty.” Much Ado about Nothing, iii. 3.]
Il faut faire son beurre = One must make a profit; One must
feather one’s nest.
Il faut faire son beurre = You have to make a profit; You have to look out for yourself.
Ça entre comme dans du beurre = (fig.) It is as easy as
anything.
Ça entre comme dans du beurre = (fig.) It's super easy.
*Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien = Leave well alone.
*Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien = Sometimes it's better to leave things as they are.*
Grand bien vous fasse = Much good may it do you.
Grand bien vous fasse = Hope it brings you a lot of good.
Le navire a péri corps et biens = The ship went down with all
hands on board.
Le navire a péri corps et biens = The ship sank with everyone on board.
Il a du bien au soleil = He has landed property.
Il a du bien au soleil = He has property in the sun.
Ils sont séparés de corps et de biens = They have had a
judicial separation (a mensa et thoro).
Ils sont séparés de corps et de biens = They are legally separated (a mensa et thoro).
Tout va bien = It is all right.
Tout va bien = It's all good.
C’est bien fait = It serves you (him, her) right.
C’est bien fait = You got what you deserved.
C’est bien lui = That’s he all over.
C’est bien lui = That’s really him.
On y est très bien = The accommodation there is very good.
On y est très bien = The place is really nice.
Je suis très bien ici = I am quite comfortable here.
Je suis très bien ici = I'm really comfortable here.
*Qui est bien qu’il s’y tienne = Rest content where thou art;
Better dry bread at home than roast meat abroad.
*Qui est bien qu’il s’y tienne = Stay happy where you are; Better to have dry bread at home than to enjoy roast meat elsewhere.
Cet homme est très bien = He is a gentleman.
Cet homme est très bien = He is a good man.
Mener une entreprise à bien = To bring an affair to a
successful issue.
Mener une entreprise à bien = To successfully carry out a task.
Il est sur son bien-dire = He is on his best behaviour; He
minds his p’s and q’s.
Il est sur son bien-dire = He is on his best behavior; He minds his p’s and q’s.
Nous voilà bien (ironic.) = Here is a nice state of things.
Nous voilà bien (ironic.) = Here we are in a fine mess.
Il ne faut attendre son bien que de soi-même = Always rely on
yourself.
Il ne faut attendre son bien que de soi-même = Always rely on yourself.
Le bien lui vient en dormant = He becomes rich without any
trouble.
Le bien lui vient en dormant = He gets wealthy without any effort.
Tant bien que mal = So-so; Neither well nor ill; After a
fashion. (See Tant.)
Tant bien que mal = Okay; Neither good nor bad; In a way. (See Tant.)
Cela est bientôt dit = That is easier said than done.
Cela est bientôt dit = It's easier said than done.
Ne pas se faire de bile (fam.) = To take things easily.
Ne pas se faire de bile (fam.) = To not worry too much.
Un billet de faire part = A letter by which a birth, marriage,
or death is made known to friends.
Un billet de faire part = A letter that informs friends about a birth, marriage, or death.
[Cards are used in England for marriages and deaths.]
[Cards are used in England for weddings and funerals.]
Un billet doux = A love letter.
Un billet doux = A love letter.
*Ah! le bon billet qu’a La Châtre = Promises are like
pie-crust, made to be broken.
*Ah! le bon billet qu’a La Châtre = Promises are like pie crust, meant to be broken.
[The Marquis de la Châtre was the lover of the celebrated Ninon de
l’Enclos (1616-1706). When he was obliged to go off to the wars,
he made her write him a letter promising to remain faithful to
him. On taking another lover, she remembered the letter she had
written, and uttered these words, which have become proverbial for
any worthless promise.]
[The Marquis de la Châtre was the lover of the famous Ninon de l’Enclos (1616-1706). When he had to leave for war, he had her write him a letter promising to stay faithful. After taking on another lover, she recalled the letter she had written and said these words, which have become a saying for any worthless promise.]
J’ai passé une nuit blanche = I have not slept a wink all night.
J’ai passé une nuit blanche = I haven't slept at all all night.
Dire tantôt blanc, tantôt noir = To say first one thing and
then another.
Dire tantôt blanc, tantôt noir = To switch between saying one thing and then the opposite.
Se manger le blanc des yeux = To have a furious quarrel.
Se manger le blanc des yeux = To have a heated argument.
*Rouge le soir et blanc le matin,
C’est la journée du pèlerin =
Red at night is the shepherd’s delight,
Red in the morning, the shepherd’s warning.
Evening red and morning gray
Are two sure signs of a fine day.
Rouge le soir et blanc le matin,
It's Pilgrim Day
Red at night is a shepherd's delight,
Red in the morning is a shepherd's warning.
Evening red and morning gray
Are reliable signs of a good day.
Manger son blé en herbe = To anticipate one’s revenue.
Manger son blé en herbe = To expect one’s income.
J’en suis tout bleu (fam.) = Well! I am surprised.
J’en suis tout bleu (fam.) = Well! I am shocked.
En bloc = In the mass, in the lump.
En bloc = All together, as a whole.
Plus il boit, plus il a soif = Ever drunk, ever dry.
Plus il boit, plus il a soif = The more he drinks, the thirstier he gets.
*Qui a bu n’a point de secrets = When wine sinks, words swim;
In vino veritas; Drink washes off the daub, and discovers the
man; What the sober man has in his heart, the drunkard has on his
lips.
*Qui a bu n’a point de secrets = When wine flows, words come out;
In vino veritas; Drinking clears away the facade and reveals the true person; What a sober person keeps inside, a drunk person expresses openly.
[“La vérité sort mieux d’un tonneau que d’un puits.”
Augier, L’Aventurière, ii. 4.]
[“The truth comes out better from a barrel than from a well.”
Augier, L’Aventurière, ii. 4.]
*Le vin est tiré, il faut le boire = You have gone too far now
to draw back; In for a penny, in for a pound.
*Le vin est tiré, il faut le boire = You've come too far to turn back now; Once you're in, you're in.
[At the siege of Douai in 1667, Louis XIV. found himself
unexpectedly under a heavy cannonade from the besieged city. In
compliance with the entreaties of those around him, who urged
him not to risk so important a life, he was about to retire in
a somewhat unsoldierly and unkingly fashion, when M. de Charost
rode up and whispered this proverb in his ear. The king remained
exposed to the fire of the enemy for a suitable time, and held in
higher honour the counsellor who had saved him from an unseemly
retreat.—Trench. “Le vin est tiré, Monsieur, il faut le
boire” is a line in Regnard’s Joueur, iii. 2.]
[At the siege of Douai in 1667, Louis XIV found himself unexpectedly under intense cannon fire from the city he was trying to capture. Following the pleas of those around him, who urged him not to risk such an important life, he was about to retreat in a way that seemed unfit for a king or a soldier when M. de Charost rode up and whispered a proverb in his ear. The king stayed exposed to the enemy's fire for an appropriate amount of time and held the advisor who had saved him from an embarrassing retreat in high regard.—Trench. “Le vin est tiré, Monsieur, il faut le boire” is a line from Regnard’s Joueur, iii. 2.]
Ce n’est pas la mer à boire = That is no very difficult matter.
Ce n’est pas la mer à boire = That's not a big deal.
Il boit du lait (fam.) = He is satisfied, happy.
Il boit du lait (fam.) = He is content, happy.
*Qui a bu boira = Habit is second nature; If you take to the
habit of drinking you cannot get rid of it.
*Qui a bu boira = Habit is second nature; once you start drinking, it's hard to stop.
[“Et quiconque a joué, toujours joue et jouera.” Regnard,
Le Joueur, iv. 1.]
["And whoever has played, always plays, and will play." Regnard,
The Player, iv. 1.]
Boire comme un trou (une éponge) = To drink like a fish.
Boire comme un trou (une éponge) = To drink excessively.
Boire un bouillon (lit.) = To swallow water (when swimming); To
swallow a bitter pill; To lose a lot of money.
Boire un bouillon (lit.) = To take in water (when swimming); To face a harsh reality; To lose a significant amount of money.
Boire sec = To drink hard; To drink wine neat (without adding
water).
Boire sec = To drink straight; To drink wine without any mixer (without adding water).
Boire le calice jusqu’à la lie = To drink the cup to the dregs.
Boire le calice jusqu’à la lie = To drink the cup to the last drop.
Il boirait la mer et ses poissons = Nothing can assuage his
thirst.
Il boirait la mer et ses poissons = Nothing can satisfy his thirst.
Croyez cela et buvez de l’eau (fam.) = Do not believe that, I
know it is not true; Surely you are not simple enough to believe
that!
Croyez cela et buvez de l’eau (fam.) = Don’t believe that, I know it’s not true; Surely you’re not naïve enough to believe that!
*Qui fait la faute la boit = As you have brewed, so you must
drink; As you have sown, so you must reap; As you make your bed,
so you must lie on it.
*Qui fait la faute la boit = You made your choices, so you have to deal with the consequences; What you put in is what you get out; How you set things up is how you'll be stuck.
Boire à tire-larigot = To drink excessively.
Boire à tire-larigot = To drink too much.
[The origin of this expression is obscure. Larousse gives the
following explanation, adding that it was probably invented to
explain the saying, as it can be found in no ancient author.
“Odo Rigaud was formerly Archbishop of Rouen, and in celebration
of his appointment he had a huge bell cast for his cathedral in
1282. This bell was called after him la Rigaud. After ringing
this bell, the bellringers required much wine to refresh them;
hence boire à tire larigot, or la Rigaud, meant to drink
like one who has been ringing a heavy bell.” Littré favours the
derivation from larigot, or arigot, a little flute, and then
the expression would be analogous to flûter, a popular word
for boire. But probably the correct explanation is that of
Sainte-Palaye, who says that a later meaning of arigot was the
tap of a cask, so that this being pulled out, one could drink
more without any delay.]
[The origin of this expression is unclear. Larousse offers the following explanation, noting that it was likely created to clarify the saying, as it does not appear in any ancient texts. “Odo Rigaud was once the Archbishop of Rouen, and to celebrate his appointment, he had a large bell cast for his cathedral in 1282. This bell was named after him la Rigaud. After ringing this bell, the bellringers needed a lot of wine to refresh themselves; thus boire à tire larigot, or la Rigaud, came to mean drinking like someone who has been ringing a heavy bell.” Littré supports the idea that it comes from larigot, or arigot, which is a small flute, suggesting that the expression would be similar to flûter, a common term for boire. However, the most likely explanation is from Sainte-Palaye, who mentions that a later meaning of arigot referred to the tap of a cask, so that when it was pulled out, one could drink more without delay.]
On verra de quel bois je me chauffe = They will see what stuff
I am made of.
On verra de quel bois je me chauffe = They will see what I'm made of.
Faire flèche de tout bois = To use every means to accomplish an
end; To leave no stone unturned.
Faire flèche de tout bois = To use every possible means to achieve a goal; To leave no stone unturned.
Il ne savait plus de quel bois faire flèche = He did not know
which way to turn. (See Saint and Pied.)
Il ne savait plus de quel bois faire flèche = He was unsure of what to do next. (See Saint and Pied.)
Il est du bois dont on fait les flûtes = He is of an easy,
pliable disposition (i.e. like the flexible reeds of which
flutes were originally made).
Il est du bois dont on fait les flûtes = He is easygoing and adaptable (i.e. like the flexible reeds from which flutes were originally made).
Nous avons trouvé visage de bois = We found nobody at home;[42] “We
found the oak sported.”
Nous avons trouvé visage de bois = We found nobody at home;[42] “We found the oak sported.”
Le bois tortu fait le feu droit = The end justifies the means.
Le bois tortu fait le feu droit = The ends justify the means.
Il ne faut pas clocher devant les boiteux = One must not remind
people of their infirmities. (See Corde.)
Il ne faut pas clocher devant les boiteux = You shouldn't remind people of their weaknesses. (See Corde.)
Il vient d’être bombardé membre de ce club = He has just been
pitchforked into that club (over the heads of more deserving
people).
Il vient d’être bombardé membre de ce club = He has just been shoved into that club (over the heads of more deserving people).
Il la fait courte et bonne = He is having a short life and a
merry one.
Il la fait courte et bonne = He is having a short and happy life.
*A quelque chose malheur est bon = It is an ill wind that blows
nobody any good.
*A quelque chose malheur est bon = It's a bad situation that benefits no one.
Dites-moi une bonne fois pourquoi vous êtes mécontent = Tell me
once and for all why you are dissatisfied.
Dites-moi une bonne fois pourquoi vous êtes mécontent = Just tell me once and for all why you're unhappy.
A quoi bon lui dire cela? = What is the good of telling him
that?
A quoi bon lui dire cela? = What's the point of telling him that?
A la bonne heure! = 1. Well done! 2. That is something like! 3.
At last! 4. Capital!
A la bonne heure! = 1. Great job! 2. That's something! 3. Finally! 4. Excellent!
Il n’est pas bon à jeter aux chiens = He is good for nothing.
Il n’est pas bon à jeter aux chiens = He is useless.
Il a bon pied, bon œil = He is sound, wind and limb; He is
hale and hearty.
Il a bon pied, bon œil = He is fit and healthy; He is strong and vigorous.
Faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu = To put a good face on
misfortune; To make the best of a bad job.
Faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu = To put on a brave face in tough times; To make the best out of a bad situation.
[Also: Faire contre fortune bon cœur.]
[Also: Make the best of a bad situation.]
*A bon jour, bonne œuvre = The better the day, the better
the deed.
A bon jour, bonne œuvre = The better the day, the better the deed.
Tout lui est bon = All is fish that comes to his net.
Tout lui est bon = Everything that comes his way is fair game.
Si bon vous semble = If you think fit.
Si bon vous semble = If you think it's appropriate.
*Les bons comptes font les bons amis = Short reckonings make
long friends.
*Les bons comptes font les bons amis = Clear accounts make great friends.
*A bon vin point d’enseigne = Good wine needs no bush. (See
Vin.)
*A bon vin point d’enseigne = Good wine needs no sign. (See
Vin.)
Une bonne fuite vaut mieux qu’une mauvaise attente = Discretion
is the better part of valour.
A good escape is better than a bad wait = Discretion is the better part of valor.
En voilà une bonne! (i.e. plaisanterie); Elle est bonne,
celle-là! = Oh! what a good joke! “What a cram!” That’s rather a
tall story.
Here’s a good one! (i.e. joke); That's a good one! = Oh! what a great joke! “What a stretch!” That’s quite a tall tale.
Est-ce qu’il est parti pour tout de bon? = Has he gone for good?
Est-ce qu’il est parti pour tout de bon? = Has he left for good?
Faire faux bond = 1. To deceive. 2. To fail to keep an
appointment.
Faire faux bond = 1. To trick someone. 2. To not show up for an appointment.
Il ne va que par sauts et par bonds = He only works by fits and
starts.
Il ne va que par sauts et par bonds = He only works intermittently.
Tant de bond que de volée = By hook or by crook.
Tant de bond que de volée = By any means necessary.
Au petit bonheur! = I will chance it!
Let's go for it! = I will chance it!
Par bonheur = As luck would have it.
Petit bonhomme vit encore = There’s life in the old dog yet.
Petit bonhomme vit encore = The old dog still has some life in him.
[An expression derived from a game which consisted in lighting a
large roll of paper and passing it round a circle of people, each
one repeating these words. The roll would often appear to be out,
when a vigorous swirl would fan it again into a flame.]
[An expression from a game where a big roll of paper is lit and passed around a circle of people, each person repeating these words. The roll would often seem to be out, but a quick swirl would revitalize it into a flame.]
Faiseur de boniment (pop.) = A cheap-jack, clap-trap speaker.
Faiseur de boniment (pop.) = A con artist, someone who talks nonsense to sell their wares.
[Bonir = to talk like clowns at a fair.]
[Bonir = to talk like clowns at a carnival.]
C’est simple comme bonjour = It is as easy as kiss your hand.
C’est simple comme bonjour = It’s as easy as pie.
*C’est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet = It is six of one and
half-a-dozen of the other.
*C’est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet = It’s the same difference.*
C’est un des gros bonnets (or, légumes) de l’endroit = He
is one of the bigwigs of the place.
C’est un des gros bonnets (or, légumes) de l’endroit = He is one of the big players in the area.
Il a la tête près du bonnet = He is quick-tempered, easily
ruffled.
Il a la tête près du bonnet = He gets angry quickly and is easily upset.
Il a mis son bonnet de travers = He is in a bad temper; He got
out of bed the wrong side.
Il a mis son bonnet de travers = He's in a bad mood; He got out of bed on the wrong side.
[Also: Il s’est levé du mauvais côté (or, pied).]
[Also: He got up on the wrong side (or, foot).]
Jeter son bonnet par dessus les moulins (of women) = To throw
off all restraint; Not to care a straw for what people may think
of your bad conduct.
Jeter son bonnet par dessus les moulins (of women) = To throw off all restraint; Not to care at all what people think about your bad behavior.
Ce sont deux têtes dans un bonnet = They are hand and glove
together.
Ce sont deux têtes dans un bonnet = They fit together perfectly.
Être triste (gai, ironic.) comme un bonnet de nuit = To be
as dull as ditchwater; To be in the dumps.
Être triste (gai, ironic.) comme un bonnet de nuit = To be as boring as can be; To be feeling down.
[Also: Gai comme une porte de prison.]
Il a pris cela sous son bonnet = 1. He invented it. 2. He took
it upon himself.
Il a pris cela sous son bonnet = 1. He came up with it. 2. He took it upon himself.
Ses collègues opinent du bonnet = His colleagues agree with
what he says (without speaking). (See Opiner.)
Ses collègues opinent du bonnet = His colleagues nod in agreement with what he says (without speaking). (See Opiner.)
*“Dans le royaume des aveugles les borgnes sont rois” = Among
the blind, the one-eyed is king.
*“Dans le royaume des aveugles les borgnes sont rois” = In the land of the blind, the one-eyed person is king.*
[The quotation comes from J. J. Rousseau’s Confessions,
Part i., Bk. v.]
[The quotation comes from Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Confessions, Part i., Bk. v.]
Il est planté là comme une borne = He stands there like a post.
Il est planté là comme une borne = He stands there like a post.
Il faut savoir se borner = One must place limits on one’s desires.
Il faut savoir se borner = You need to know how to set limits on your desires.
[“Qui ne sait se borner ne sut jamais écrire.”
Boileau, Art Poétique, i.]
[“Whoever cannot limit themselves has never been able to write.”
Boileau, Art Poétique, i.
Rire comme un bossu = To split one’s sides with laughter.
Rire comme un bossu = To laugh so hard you can barely breathe.
Il a mis du foin dans ses bottes = He has feathered his nest;
He has taken care of number one.
Il a mis du foin dans ses bottes = He's looking out for himself;
He's taken care of number one.
Il est haut comme ma botte = He is a mere sixpennyworth of
halfpence; He is very short.
Il est haut comme ma botte = He is just a few cents worth; He is really short.
A propos de bottes = With reference to nothing in particular.
A propos de bottes = Referring to nothing specific.
C’est le bouc émissaire = He is the scapegoat.
C’est le bouc émissaire = He is the scapegoat.
Faire la bouche en cœur = To try and look amiable; To put on
a captivating look; To purse up one’s lips.
Faire la bouche en cœur = To try to appear friendly; To put on a charming expression; To pout.
Cet argument me ferma la bouche = That argument was a poser for
me; I could not reply to that.
Cet argument me ferma la bouche = That argument silenced me; I had no response to that.
Il y en avait à bouche que veux-tu = There was a plentiful
supply of it.
Il y en avait à bouche que veux-tu = There was a lot of it.
Je garde cela pour la bonne bouche = I am keeping that for the
last.
Je garde cela pour la bonne bouche = I'm saving that for last.
[Une bonne bouche = A tit-bit.]
Il prend sur sa bouche pour aider ces gens = He stints himself
to help those people.
Il prend sur sa bouche pour aider ces gens = He sacrifices himself to help those people.
Faire la petite bouche = To be dainty; To have a small
appetite; To be hard to please.
Faire la petite bouche = To be fussy; To have a limited appetite; To be difficult to satisfy.
Bouche close (cousue)! = Not a word, mind! “Mum’s the word.”
Bouche close (cousue)! = Not a word, got it? “Mum’s the word.”
La bouche fendue jusqu’aux oreilles = A mouth stretching from
ear to ear.
La bouche fendue jusqu’aux oreilles = A mouth that stretches from ear to ear.
Être sur sa bouche = To be an epicure.
Être sur sa bouche = To be a foodie.
Mettre les bouchées doubles = To eat quickly; To hurry.
Mettre les bouchées doubles = To eat fast; To rush.
Perdre la boule (pop.) = To lose one’s head; Not to know what
one is doing. (See Tramontane.)
Perdre la boule (slang) = To lose your mind; Not to know what you're doing. (See Tramontane.)
Les officiers étaient en bourgeois (or, en civil) = The
officers were in plain clothes, in mufti.
Les officiers étaient en bourgeois (or, en civil) = The officers were in plain clothes.
Elle fait une bonne cuisine bourgeoise = She is a good plain
cook.
Elle fait une bonne cuisine bourgeoise = She is a good home-style cook.
Je prends mes repas dans une pension bourgeoise = I board at a
private boarding-house.
Je prends mes repas dans une pension bourgeoise = I eat my meals at a private boarding house.
*Selon ta bourse gouverne ta bouche = Cut your coat according
to your cloth.
*Selon ta bourse gouverne ta bouche = Live within your means.*
[“Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse;
Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse.”
Benjamin Franklin.]
["Being obsessed with clothes is definitely a curse;
Before you let your imagination run wild, check your bank account."
Ben Franklin.]
Faire bon marché de sa bourse = To say a thing has cost less
than it has.
Faire bon marché de sa bourse = To claim that something cost less than it actually did.
Obtenir une bourse au lycée = To gain an exhibition (or,
scholarship) at a public school.
Obtenir une bourse au lycée = To get a scholarship at a public school.
Avoir toujours la bourse à la main = To have always one’s hand
in one’s pocket.
Avoir toujours la bourse à la main = To always have your hand in your pocket.
Loger le diable dans sa bourse = To be penniless.
Loger le diable dans sa bourse = To be broke.
[Coins generally had a cross on them, which was a protection
against the devil. (See Diable.) Compare Goldsmith,
Vicar of Wakefield, xxi.—“We have not seen the cross of her
money.”]
[Coins typically featured a cross, which served as a safeguard against the devil. (See Diable.) Compare Jeweler,
Vicar of Wakefield, xxi.—“We have not seen the cross of her
money.”]
Ami jusqu’à la bourse = A lukewarm friend.
Ami jusqu’à la bourse = A fair-weather friend.
Sans bourse délier = Without any expense.
Sans bourse délier = At no cost.
Il tira à bout portant = He fired point-blank.
Il tira à bout portant = He fired at close range.
*Au bout de l’aune faut (or, manque) le drap = There is an
end to everything; The last straw breaks the camel’s back.
Au bout de l’aune faut (or, manque) le drap = Everything has its limits; the final issue is what pushes someone over the edge.
Il est économe de bouts de chandelle = He is penny wise and
pound foolish.
Il est économe de bouts de chandelle = He is careful with small expenses but careless with larger ones.
[Or, Il fait des économies de bouts de chandelle.]
[Or, He saves money in small ways.]
Il a ri du bout des lèvres = He laughed in a forced manner.
Il a ri du bout des lèvres = He chuckled half-heartedly.
Il est poète jusqu’au bout des ongles = He is a poet to his
finger-tips.
Il est poète jusqu’au bout des ongles = He is a poet to his fingertips.
Je suis à bout de force = I am exhausted, done up.
Je suis à bout de force = I'm totally wiped out.
C’est le bout du monde = That is the utmost.
C’est le bout du monde = That’s the end of the world.
Être au bout de son rouleau, de son latin, de sa gamme = To be
at one’s wits’ end; Not to know what to do.
Être au bout de son rouleau, de son latin, de sa gamme = To be at one's wits' end; Not knowing what to do.
Il répète la même chose à tout bout de champ = He repeats the
same thing every instant, every time he has the chance.
Il répète la même chose à tout bout de champ = He keeps repeating the same thing all the time, whenever he gets the chance.
Eh bien! au bout du compte vous avez tort = Well! you are
wrong, after all.
Eh bien! au bout du compte vous avez tort = Well, you're wrong, after all.
Ma patience est à bout = My patience is exhausted.
Ma patience est à bout = I’m out of patience.
Il m’a poussé à bout = He provoked me beyond endurance.
Il m’a poussé à bout = He pushed me to my limits.
Laisser voir le bout de l’oreille = To show one’s ignorance
(or, true character); To show what one is driving at; To show
the cloven hoof.
Laisser voir le bout de l’oreille = To show one’s ignorance
(or, true character); To reveal one's intentions; To show
the true self.
[A reference to the fable of the ass in the lion’s skin.]
[A reference to the fable of the donkey in the lion’s skin.]
Tenir le haut bout = To have the whip hand.
Tenir le haut bout = To be in control.
C’est un vrai boute-en-train = He is the very life and soul of
the party.
C’est un vrai boute-en-train = He is the life of the party.
Il n’a rien vu que par le trou d’une bouteille = He has seen
nothing of the world.
Il n’a rien vu que par le trou d’une bouteille = He hasn't seen anything of the world.
C’est la bouteille à l’encre que cette affaire = This is a very
obscure matter; That affair is as clear as mud.
C’est la bouteille à l’encre que cette affaire = This is a very unclear matter; That situation is as clear as mud.
Toute la boutique (pop.) = The whole show (i.e. a thing and
everything connected with it); The whole boiling; The whole bag
of tricks.
Toute la boutique (pop.) = The whole deal (i.e. a thing and everything related to it); The whole shebang; The whole package.
[Also: tout le tremblement, and, le diable et son train.]
[Also: the whole shaking, and, the devil and his train.]
*Tomber de la poêle dans la braise = To fall out of the
frying-pan into the fire.
*i lang="fr">Tomber de la poêle dans la braise = To fall out of the frying pan into the fire.
Passer sur une chose comme un chat sur la braise = To pass
lightly over a subject.
Passer sur une chose comme un chat sur la braise = To skim over a topic.
Être comme l’oiseau sur la branche = To be very unsettled.
Be like a bird on a branch = To be very unsettled.
[This generally refers to a man’s position in life, whether he
will stay where he is or be made to leave.]
[This generally refers to a man's place in life, whether he will remain where he is or be forced to leave.]
*Tout ce qui branle ne tombe pas = A creaking gate hangs long.
*Tout ce qui branle ne tombe pas = A creaky gate stays in place for a long time.*
Bras dessus bras dessous = Arm in arm.
Bras dessus bras dessous = Arm in arm.
J’ai les bras rompus = My arms are tired.
J’ai les bras rompus = My arms are exhausted.
Cette perte nous coupe bras et jambes = This loss cripples us
entirely.
Cette perte nous coupe bras et jambes = This loss completely cripples us.
Les bras me tombent de surprise (or, m’en tombent) = I am
struck dumb with surprise.
Les bras me tombent de surprise (or, m’en tombent) = I am completely taken aback by surprise.
Il a le bras long = He has great influence.
Il a le bras long = He has a lot of influence.
Si vous lui en donnez long comme le doigt, il en prendra long
comme le bras = Give him an inch, he will take an ell.
If you give him an inch, he'll take a mile = Give him an inch, he will take an ell.
[“Laissez leur prendre un pied chez vous
Ils en auront bientôt pris quatre.”
La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 7.
["Let them take one step into your home
They’ll soon have taken four.”
La Fontaine, Fables, 2. 7.
German: Wer sich auf den Achseln sitzen lässt, dem sitzt man
nachher auf dem Kopfe = Who lets one sit on his shoulders shall
have him presently sit on his head.
German: Wer sich auf den Achseln sitzen lässt, dem sitzt man nachher auf dem Kopfe = If you let someone ride on your shoulders, they'll soon be sitting on your head.
Italian: Si ti lasci metter in spalla il vitello, quindi a poco
ti metter an la vacca = If thou suffer a calf to be laid on thee,
within a little they’ll clap on the cow.]
Italian: Si ti lasci metter in spalla il vitello, quindi a poco ti metter an la vacca = If you let them put a calf on your back, soon enough they'll load you with a cow.
Je l’ai saisi à bras le corps = I seized him round the waist
(in a struggle).
Je l’ai saisi à bras le corps = I grabbed him around the waist (in a struggle).
Je l’ai battu à tour de bras (or, à bras raccourci) = I beat
him with all my might.
Je l’ai battu à tour de bras (or, à bras raccourci) = I gave it my all when I fought him.
Pourquoi restez-vous là les bras croisés? = Why are you waiting
there doing nothing?
Pourquoi restez-vous là les bras croisés? = Why are you standing there doing nothing?
J’ai ses enfants sur les bras = I have his children on my hands.
J’ai ses enfants sur les bras = I have his kids to take care of.
*A brebis tondue Dieu mesure le vent = God tempers the wind to
the shorn lamb.
*i lang="fr">A brebis tondue Dieu mesure le vent = God adjusts the wind for the shorn lamb.
[Also: Dieu donne le froid selon le drap. This is said to
occur first in a collection of proverbs made by Henri Estienne
(Stephanus), 1594. The earliest mention in English is, I believe,
in Sterne’s Sentimental Journey.]
[Also: Dieu donne le froid selon le drap. This is said to occur first in a collection of proverbs made by Henri Estienne (Stephanus), 1594. The earliest mention in English is, I believe, in Sterne’s Sentimental Journey.]
*Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange = He who is too confiding
is imposed upon; Daub yourself with honey and you’ll be covered
with flies.
*Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange = If you're too trusting, others will take advantage of you; cover yourself in honey and you'll attract flies.
*Brebis comptées le loup les mange = Counting one’s chickens
will not keep the fox off; If you count your chickens, harm will
happen to them.
*Brebis comptées le loup les mange = Counting your chickens won't prevent the fox from coming; if you count your chickens, they will come to harm.
[Compare Vergil, Ecl., vii. 52. This somewhat
difficult expression can also be translated: “A bold thief is not
frightened at things being counted.” It no doubt refers to the
old superstition that counting one’s possessions was followed by
misfortune, as in 2 Samuel xxiv.]
[Compare Vergil, Ecl., vii. 52. This somewhat tricky phrase can also be translated as: “A daring thief isn’t scared of having things counted.” It likely refers to the old superstition that counting one’s belongings would bring bad luck, as mentioned in 2 Samuel xxiv.]
*Brebis qui bêle perd sa goulée = It is the silent sow that
sucks the wash.
*Brebis qui bêle perd sa goulée = It's the quiet pig that gets the wash.
La brebis galeuse = The black sheep.
La brebis galeuse = The black sheep.
Il ne faut qu’une brebis galeuse pour infecter tout le troupeau
= One scabby sheep will taint the whole flock; One ill weed mars
a whole pot of pottage.
Il ne faut qu’une brebis galeuse pour infecter tout le troupeau
= One scabby sheep will spoil the whole flock; One bad weed ruins a whole pot of stew.
[Also: Pomme pourrie gâte sa compagnie = One rotten apple spoils
the whole basket.]
[Also: Pomme pourrie gâte sa compagnie = One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.]
Revenir bredouille = (of sportsmen) To return with an empty
bag; To have made an unsuccessful attempt; To return disappointed.
Revenir bredouille = (of athletes) To come back empty-handed; To have made a failed attempt; To return feeling let down.
Se coucher bredouille = To go to bed supperless.
Se coucher bredouille = To go to bed without dinner.
*À cheval donné on ne regarde pas à la bride = One does not
look a gift-horse in the mouth.
À cheval donné on ne regarde pas à la bride = You shouldn't criticize a gift.
Il courait à toute bride (or, à bride abattue) = He was
running at full speed.
Il courait à toute bride (or, à bride abattue) = He was running at full speed.
Je lui ai mis la bride sur le cou = I gave him full liberty.
Je lui ai mis la bride sur le cou = I gave him complete freedom.
Vous lui tenez la bride trop haute = You keep him too much
under restraint.
Vous lui tenez la bride trop haute = You're holding him back too much.
*Tout ce qui brille (or, reluit) n’est pas or = All is not
gold that glitters.
Tout ce qui brille (or, reluit) n’est pas or = Not everything that shines is gold.
Nous n’avons pas un brin de feu = We have not got a bit of fire.
Nous n’avons pas un brin de feu = We don’t have any fire at all.
C’est un beau brin de fille = She is a fine slip of a girl.
C’est un beau brin de fille = She's a lovely young girl.
Il court sur mes brisées = (lit.) He pursues the same game as I
do; (fig.) He poaches on my preserves.
Il court sur mes brisées = (lit.) He’s after the same thing I am; (fig.) He’s stepping on my turf.
[Brisées = small branches broken from trees and dropped on the
ground to mark the lair or path of a beast.]
[Brisées = small branches broken off trees and laid on the ground to indicate the den or trail of an animal.]
Brisons là! = Let us have no more of that; That will do.
Brisons là! = Let’s stop that; That’s enough.
Être à la brochette = 1. To be brought up by hand (of a bird).
2. To be brought up tenderly, with too much care.
Être à la brochette = 1. To be raised by hand (like a bird).
2. To be raised gently, with excessive care.
Je crois que vous brodez = (fig.) I think you are exaggerating,
romancing.
Je crois que vous brodez = (fig.) I think you are exaggerating, making it sound better than it is.
Il brode bien = He is good at drawing the long bow.
Il brode bien = He is skilled at making things sound better than they really are.
Établir une rente sur les brouillards de la Seine = To have an
income in the clouds (i.e. nothing).
Établir une rente sur les brouillards de la Seine = To have an income in the clouds (i.e. nothing).
Est-ce que vous vous êtes brouillés? = Are you no longer
friends?
Est-ce que vous vous êtes brouillés? = Are you guys no longer friends?
Il a eu le malheur de se brouiller avec la justice = He was
unfortunate enough to fall out with justice (i.e. to be
punished by imprisonment, fine, etc.).
Il a eu le malheur de se brouiller avec la justice = He was unfortunate enough to clash with the law (i.e. to be punished by imprisonment, fine, etc.).
*Où la chèvre est attachée il faut qu’elle broute = One must
bow to circumstances; One must put up with the inconveniences of
one’s position if one can get nothing better; One must not expect
more from life than life can give; We must take things as we find
them.
*Où la chèvre est attachée il faut qu’elle broute = You have to deal with the situation you're in; You have to endure the downsides of your position if you can't get anything better; Don't expect more from life than it can offer; We should accept things as they are.
[“Là où la chèvre est liée il faut bien qu’elle y
broute.”—Molière, Le Médecin malgré lui, iii. 3.]
[“Where the goat is tied, she must graze there.”—Molière, Le Médecin malgré lui, iii. 3.]
L’herbe sera bien courte s’il ne trouve à brouter = He would
live on nothing; It will go hard if he does not pick up a living.
L’herbe sera bien courte s’il ne trouve à brouter = He would survive on nothing; It will be tough if he doesn't find something to live off.
Faire plus de bruit que de besogne = To be more fussy than
industrious.
Faire plus de bruit que de besogne = To make more noise than work.
*Grand bruit, petite besogne = The more hurry, the less speed;
Great cry, little wool.
*Grand bruit, petite besogne = The more you rush, the slower you go;
Big noise, little result.
*Qui a bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusqu’au soir = A
good reputation covers many sins.
*Qui a bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusqu’au soir = A good reputation covers many sins.
Les tonneaux vides sont ceux qui font le plus de bruit = The
worst wheel makes the most noise.
Les tonneaux vides sont ceux qui font le plus de bruit = The empty barrels make the most noise.
Il s’est brûlé la cervelle = He blew his brains out.
Il s’est brûlé la cervelle = He shot himself.
Ils tirèrent sur lui à brûle-pourpoint = They fired at him
point-blank (so as to burn his doublet).
Ils tirèrent sur lui à brûle-pourpoint = They shot at him at point-blank range (to burn his coat).
Il m’a posé cette question à brûle-pourpoint = He asked me that
question quite unexpectedly.
Il m’a posé cette question à brûle-pourpoint = He asked me that question out of the blue.
Brûler une station (une étape) = To run through a station
(or, a halting-place) without stopping.
Brûler une station (une étape) = To run through a station
(or, a stop) without pausing.
Brûler le pavé = To dash along at full speed, to “scorch.”
Brûler le pavé = To speed down the street, to “rush.”
Brûler à petit feu = To wait impatiently, to be on thorns.
Brûler à petit feu = To wait impatiently, to be on edge.
Cherchez bien, vous brûlez = Search well, you are getting warm.
Cherchez bien, vous brûlez = Look closely, you're getting warm.
[Said to children who are looking for a hidden object, and are
getting near it.]
[Said to kids who are searching for a hidden object and are getting close to it.]
Nous avons brûlé nos vaisseaux = There is no going back now; We
mean to fight to the last.
Nous avons brûlé nos vaisseaux = There's no turning back now; We're ready to fight to the end.
[Agathocles, tyrant of Syracuse, on landing in Africa 317
B.C., burnt his vessels in order to force his soldiers to
conquer or to die. William of Normandy (1066) and Cortez (1518)
did the same.]
[Agathocles, the tyrant of Syracuse, burned his ships upon arriving in Africa in 317 BCE to force his soldiers to either conquer or die. William of Normandy (1066) and Cortez (1518) did the same.]
Un acteur qui brûle les planches = An actor who plays with
spirit, “go.”
Un acteur qui brûle les planches = An actor who performs with passion, "go."
Brûler la politesse = To behave rudely by leaving a person
abruptly.
Brûler la politesse = To act disrespectfully by cutting someone off suddenly.
*Il n’y a si petit buisson qui ne porte ombre = There is no
man, however humble, who cannot aid (or, injure) his superior.
*i lang="fr">Il n’y a si petit buisson qui ne porte ombre = There's no person, no matter how humble, who can't help (or, hurt) someone above them.
Trouver buisson creux = To find the birds flown.
Trouver buisson creux = To find the birds that have flown.
*On ne saurait faire d’une buse un épervier = One cannot make a
silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
*i lang="fr">On ne saurait faire d’une buse un épervier = You can't turn a bad thing into a good one.
[“Que l’en ne puet fere espervier
En nule guise d’ung busart.”
Guillaume de Lorris, Roman de la Rose, 3839.
["You can't inspire hope
in any way from a fool.”
Guillaume de Lorris, Roman de la Rose, 3839.
Also: D’un goujat on ne peut pas faire un gentilhomme = It takes
three generations to make a gentleman; and D’un sac à charbon il
ne saurait sortir blanche farine.]
Also: D’un goujat on ne peut pas faire un gentilhomme = It takes three generations to make a gentleman; and D’un sac à charbon il ne saurait sortir blanche farine.
De but en blanc = Point-blank; Abruptly.
De but en blanc = Point-blank; Suddenly.
C.
Ça a sa petite volonté (fam.) = It has a will of its own (in
speaking of children, etc.).
Ça a sa petite volonté (fam.) = It has a mind of its own (when talking about kids, etc.).
C’est toujours ça = That is something, at any rate.
C’est toujours ça = That’s something, at least.
Pas plus que ça?; Rien que ça? = Is that all?
Pas plus que ça?; Rien que ça? = Is that it?
[This is generally used ironically: e.g. Le cocher m’a
demandé vingt francs pour aller de la Place de la Concorde à
Longchamp!—Rien que ça?]
[This is generally used ironically: e.g. The cab driver asked me for twenty francs to go from Place de la Concorde to Longchamp!—Is that all?]
Cet avocat a un bon cabinet = That barrister has a good
practice.
Cet avocat a un bon cabinet = That lawyer has a good practice.
Courir le cachet = To go from house to house giving private
lessons.
Courir le cachet = To go from place to place offering private lessons.
[This expression comes from the custom of the master giving to the
pupil a number of tickets (called cachets) at the first lesson,
for which the pupil pays, and gives one back at the end of each
lesson.]
[This expression comes from the custom of the teacher giving the student a number of tickets (called cachets) at the first lesson, for which the student pays, and returning one at the end of each lesson.]
C’est le cadet de mes soucis = That is the least of my cares;
That is the last thing I worry about.
C’est le cadet de mes soucis = That's the least of my worries;
That's the last thing on my mind.
Il a fait le tour du cadran = 1. He has slept the clock round.
2. He has worked for twelve hours at a stretch.
Il a fait le tour du cadran = 1. He has slept all day.
2. He has worked for twelve hours straight.
*La belle cage ne nourrit pas l’oiseau = Fine clothes do not
fill the stomach.
La belle cage ne nourrit pas l’oiseau = Nice clothes won't keep you fed.
Il tient la caisse = (lit.) He keeps the cash account; (fig.)
He holds the purse-strings.
Il tient la caisse = (lit.) He manages the cash account; (fig.) He controls the budget.
Il fait la caisse = He is making up his cash account.
Il fait la caisse = He is counting his cash.
Quel est l’état de votre caisse? = How much cash have you in
hand?
Quel est l’état de votre caisse? = How much cash do you have on hand?
Être à fond de cale (fam.) = To be hard up, at the end of one’s
resources.
Être à fond de cale (slang) = To be broke, out of options.
[Also more pop.: battre la dèche. See Sec and Argent.]
[Also more popular: battre la dèche. See Sec and Argent.]
En rase (or, pleine) campagne = In the open country.
Battre la campagne. (See Battre.)
Roaming the countryside. (See Battre.)
Se mettre en campagne = (lit., of a general) To take the field;
(fig.) To canvass or look out for a post; To start working.
Se mettre en campagne = (lit., of a general) To take the field; (fig.) To campaign or search for a position; To begin working.
Rendre un homme camus = To stop a man’s mouth; To make a man
look small.
Rendre un homme camus = To silence a man; To make a man feel insignificant.
Il demeura tout camus = He had not a word to say for himself;
He was “stumped.”
Il demeure tout camus = He had nothing to say for himself;
He was “stumped.”
Cette nouvelle n’est qu’un canard = That story is all humbug.
Cette nouvelle n’est qu’un canard = That story is total nonsense.
[Canard is an absurd tale mocking the credulity of listeners.
Littré derives the word from the phrase vendre à quelqu’un un
canard à moitié = to half sell a duck to any one, i.e. not to
sell it at all, and so, to cheat. A moitié was suppressed and
un canard came to mean a cheat, a sell. Many other explanations
are given of this word.]
[Canard is a ridiculous story that makes fun of how gullible people can be. Littré traces the word back to the expression vendre à quelqu’un un canard à moitié = to half sell a duck to someone, i.e. not to sell it at all, which means to deceive. A moitié was dropped, and un canard evolved to mean a con or a scam. There are many other interpretations of this word.]
Faire la cane = To run away; To show the white feather.
Faire la cane = To bail; To chicken out.
[This expression literally means to bob down, like a duck, to
escape being shot. The verb caner (= to funk) is more often used
now, or the less familiar caponner. “To show the white feather”
arises from the fact that white feathers in game-cocks show
impurity of breed.]
[This expression literally means to duck down, like a duck, to avoid being shot. The verb caner (= to be a coward) is used more often now, or the less common caponner. “To show the white feather” comes from the fact that white feathers in game-cocks indicate impurity of breed.]
Il prend un air capable = He puts on a bumptious look.
Il prend un air capable = He puts on a confident look.
C’est un homme capable de tout = He is a man that would stick
at nothing.
C’est un homme capable de tout = He is a man who would stop at nothing.
Rire sous cape (or, sous sa coiffe) = To laugh in one’s
sleeve (generally of women. See Barbe.)
Rire sous cape (or, sous sa coiffe) = To laugh quietly to oneself (usually referring to women. See Barbe.)
N’avoir que la cape et l’épée = To be titled but penniless
(generally used of young officers who have nothing but their pay).
N’avoir que la cape et l’épée = To have a title but no money (generally used for young officers who only have their salary).
Roman de cape et d’épée = A romantic, melodramatic tale (e.g.
Dumas, Les Trois Mousquetaires).
Roman de cape et d’épée = A romantic, melodramatic story (e.g.
Dumas, The Three Musketeers).
*La caque sent toujours le hareng = What is bred in the bone
will never come out of the flesh.
*La caque sent toujours le hareng = What is ingrained will always show.
[“You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.”
Moore, Farewell.]
["You can break or shatter the vase if you want,
But the scent of the roses will still be around it.”
Moore, Farewell.]
Il a le caractère bien fait = He is always good-tempered.
Il a le caractère bien fait = He's always in a good mood.
Il a le caractère mal fait = He cannot take a joke.
Il a le caractère mal fait = He can't take a joke.
C’est un sot à vingt-quatre carats = He is an out-and-out fool,
an A 1 fool.
C’est un sot à vingt-quatre carats = He is a complete fool, an A1 fool.
[“Enfin quoique ignorante à vingt et trois carats.”
La Fontaine, Fables, vii, 15.]
[“Finally, though ignorant at twenty-three carats.”
La Fontaine, Fables, 7, 15.]
*Cela arrive comme mars en carême = That comes regularly, like
clockwork.
*Cela arrive comme mars en carême = That happens regularly, like clockwork.*
*Cela arrive comme marée en carême = That comes very
seasonably, just at the right time.
*Cela arrive comme marée en carême = That comes perfectly, just when it's needed.
Une face de carême = A sad, pale, woe-begone face (like that of
one who has fasted all Lent).
Une face de carême = A sad, pale, miserable face (like someone who has fasted all Lent).
Prêcher sept ans pour un carême = To do a great deal for little
good.
Prêcher sept ans pour un carême = To put in a lot of effort for minimal reward.
Muet comme une carpe = As dumb as an oyster.
Muet comme une carpe = As silent as a carp.
Baîller comme une carpe = To yawn one’s head off.
Baîller comme une carpe = To yawn excessively.
Elle fait la carpe pâmée (fam.) = She turns up the whites of
her eyes; She pretends to be ill; She looks like a dying duck in
a thunderstorm.
Elle fait la carpe pâmée (fam.) = She rolls her eyes; She acts like she’s sick; She looks like a duck caught in a storm.
[Also: Faire des yeux de merlan frit.]
Une partie carrée = A party composed of two ladies and two
gentlemen.
Une partie carrée = A gathering made up of two women and two men.
C’est une tête carrée = He is an obstinate fellow.
C’est une tête carrée = He is a stubborn guy.
C’est un valet de carreau = He is a contemptible fellow, a
snob.
C’est un valet de carreau = He is a lowly guy, a snob.
Coucher sur le carreau = To sleep on the floor.
Coucher sur le carreau = To crash on the floor.
Il l’a laissé sur le carreau = He killed him (or, left him
for dead on the ground).
Il l’a laissé sur le carreau = He left him for dead on the ground.
Il est resté sur le carreau = He was killed on the spot, left
for dead on the ground.
Il est resté sur le carreau = He was taken out right there, left for dead on the ground.
[Formerly the floors of rooms were paved with square tiles or
bricks called carreaux. Kitchens are still so paved in France,
and often ground-floor rooms in the country.]
[In the past, the floors of rooms were covered with square tiles or bricks known as carreaux. Kitchens in France still have these floors, and often, ground-floor rooms in rural areas do as well.]
Battre les cartes = To shuffle the cards.
Battre les cartes = To shuffle the cards.
Donner les cartes = To deal the cards.
Donner les cartes = To deal the cards.
Brouiller les caries = (fig.) To sow discord.
Brouiller les caries = (fig.) To create conflict.
Elle lui a tiré les cartes = She told his fortune (by cards).
Elle lui a tiré les cartes = She read his fortune (with cards).
Il a vu le dessous des cartes = He has been behind the scenes;
he is in the secret, “in the know.”
Il a vu le dessous des cartes = He has seen behind the scenes; he knows the secret, “in the know.”
Jouer cartes sur table = To play openly; To act frankly.
Jouer cartes sur table = To play it straight; To be honest.
Donner carte blanche = To give full permission; To grant a
person full liberty to act according to his judgment.
Donner carte blanche = To give complete freedom; To allow someone to act as they see fit.
Je connais la carte du pays = I know the country well.
Je connais la carte du pays = I know the country well.
C’est un homme qui ne perd pas la carte = He is a man who keeps
his wits about him, who has an eye to the main chance.
C’est un homme qui ne perd pas la carte = He is a man who stays sharp and knows how to seize opportunities.
C’est un château de cartes que cette maison = This is a
jerry-built house.
C’est un château de cartes que cette maison = This is a poorly constructed house.
Rester dans les cartons = To be pigeon-holed.
Rester dans les cartons = To be stuck in a box.
Des objets de carton = (fig.) Gimcrack things.
Des objets de carton = (fig.) Cheap, flimsy things.
C’est bien le cas de le dire = One may indeed say so.
C’est bien le cas de le dire = You could definitely say that.
Il n’est pas dans le cas de vous nuire = He is not in a
position to harm you.
Il n’est pas dans le cas de vous nuire = He can’t hurt you.
Le cas échéant = In such a case; If such should be the case.
Le cas échéant = In that case; If that’s how it is.
C’est le cas ou jamais = It is now or never.
C’est le cas ou jamais = It's now or never.
Nous en faisons grand cas = We value it very highly.
Nous en faisons grand cas = We think it's really important.
Tout mauvais cas est niable = A man may be expected to deny a
deed that he knows to be wrong.
Tout mauvais cas est niable = A person is likely to deny an action that they know is wrong.
Un en-cas = Something prepared in case of need.
Un en-cas = Something made ready just in case.
[Formerly this was said of a slight meal placed in a bedroom
in case one should wake in the night and need food. Now it
rather refers to anything that can be used in case guests
arrive unexpectedly. Also of a parasol that can be used as an
umbrella in case it rains. The latter is more usually called un
en-tout-cas.]
[Formerly, this was referred to as a light meal kept in a bedroom in case someone woke up at night and needed food. Now, it usually applies to anything that can be used in case guests show up unexpectedly. It also refers to a parasol that can serve as an umbrella in case it rains. The latter is more commonly known as un en-tout-cas.]
Une noce à tout casser (pop.) = A rare old jollification.
Une noce à tout casser (pop.) = An epic celebration.
Vous me cassez la tête avec votre bruit = You split my head
with your noise.
Vous me cassez la tête avec votre bruit = You're driving me crazy with your noise.
Je ne me casse pas la tête avec (or, pour) de telles
bagatelles = I don’t worry my head (or, rack my brains) over
such trifles.
Je ne me casse pas la tête avec (or, pour) de telles
bagatelles = I don’t stress over (or, think too hard about) such trivial matters.
Il nous cassait l’encensoir sur le nez = He was smothering us
with flatteries.
Il nous cassait l’encensoir sur le nez = He was overwhelming us with compliments.
[To ‘incense’ any one would be to honour or praise him, but to
break the censer against his nose would be overdoing it.]
[To 'incense' someone means to honor or praise them, but smashing the censer against their nose would be going too far.]
Les fatigues ont cassé cet homme = Hardships have broken that
man down.
Les fatigues ont cassé cet homme = The struggles have worn that man down.
J’ai cassé une croûte = I just had a snack.
J’ai cassé une croûte = I just had a bite to eat.
Cet homme casse les vitres = That man speaks out boldly, to
bring matters to a crisis; That man does not pick and choose his
words.
Cet homme casse les vitres = That man speaks out boldly to confront issues head-on; That man doesn’t hold back his words.
On ne fait pas d’omelettes sans casser des œufs = Nothing is
done without trouble and sacrifice.
On ne fait pas d’omelettes sans casser des œufs = You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
[A saying attributed to Napoleon I. in defence of the great
mortality caused by his wars.]
[A saying attributed to Napoleon I. in defense of the significant death toll caused by his wars.]
Payer les pots cassés = To stand the racket.
Payer les pots cassés = To take the hit.
Se casser le nez = 1. To fall on one’s face. 2. To knock up
against an obstacle. 3. To fail in an enterprise.
Se casser le nez = 1. To fall flat on your face. 2. To bump into an obstacle. 3. To fail in an endeavor.
C’est comme un cataplasme sur une jambe de bois = A nod is as
good as a wink to a blind horse.
C’est comme un cataplasme sur une jambe de bois = A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.
Cet individu n’a pas l’air catholique = That man does not look
very trustworthy.
Cet individu n’a pas l’air catholique = That guy doesn't seem very trustworthy.
Votre vin est trop catholique = Your wine is too weak, (i.e.
baptised with water).
Votre vin est trop catholique = Your wine is too weak, (i.e. watered down).
Il parle en connaissance de cause = He knows what he is talking
about.
Il parle en connaissance de cause = He knows what he's talking about.
Je ne veux pas y aller et pour cause = I do not want to go
there, and for a very good reason.
Je ne veux pas y aller et pour cause = I don't want to go there, and for a very good reason.
J’ai toujours pris fait et cause pour vous = I have always
stood up for you, taken up the cudgels in your defence.
J’ai toujours pris fait et cause pour vous = I have always stood up for you, defended you.
Il a eu gain de cause = He gained the day.
Il a eu gain de cause = He came out on top.
Un avocat sans cause = A briefless barrister.
Un avocat sans cause = A lawyer without a case.
Vous êtes hors de cause = You are not concerned in the matter;
This has nothing to do with you.
Vous êtes hors de cause = You’re not involved in this;
This doesn’t concern you.
Il est sujet à caution = He is not to be relied upon.
Il est sujet à caution = He can't be trusted.
[Caution, meaning “bail,” implies that he cannot be trusted
except on bail.]
[Caution, meaning “bail,” suggests that he can’t be trusted unless it's with some kind of guarantee.]
A ce que je vois = As far as I can judge.
A ce que je vois = From what I can see.
Ce que je sais, c’est que c’est un voleur = All I know is that
he is a thief.
Ce que je sais, c’est que c’est un voleur = All I know is that he’s a thief.
Sur ce il s’en alla = After that he went away.
Sur ce il s’en alla = After that, he left.
Ce que c’est que de nous! = What poor mortals we are!
Ce que c’est que de nous! = What unfortunate beings we are!
*Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinture dorée = A good name is
better than riches; He who has lost his reputation is a dead man
among the living.
*Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinture dorée = A good reputation is better than wealth; Once someone loses their reputation, they are dead to those who are still alive.
[Ceinture here refers to the purse which was in, or attached to,
the girdle. Compare Proverbs xxii. 1, “A good name is rather to be
chosen than great riches,” and
“The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation; that away,
Men are but gilded loam or painted clay.”
Shakespeare, Richard II. i. 1.]
[Ceinture here refers to the purse that was in or attached to the belt. Compare Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches,” and
“The greatest treasure that people can have
Is a clean reputation; without it,
People are just covered dirt or colored clay.”
Shakespeare, Richard II. Act 1, Scene 1.
C’est parler cela = That is what I call talking.
C’est parler cela = That's what I call talking.
C’est ceci, c’est cela = It is sometimes one thing, sometimes
another.
C’est ceci, c’est cela = Sometimes it's this, sometimes it's that.
Pour ça, non! = Not a bit of it; Certainly not.
Pour ça, non! = Not at all; Absolutely not.
Il est comme cela = That is his way.
Il est comme cela = That's just how he is.
C’est bien comme cela! = That is just it!!
C’est bien comme cela! = That's exactly it!!
C’est cela même! = That’s the very thing!
C’est cela même! = That's exactly it!
Pour cela même = For that very reason.
Pour cela même = For that very reason.
N’est-ce que cela? = Is that all?
N’est-ce que cela? = Is that it?
En un mot comme en cent = Once and for all.
En un mot comme en cent = Once and for all.
Je vous le donne en cent = I bet you 100 to 1 you will not
guess it.
Je vous le donne en cent = I bet you 100 to 1 you won't guess it.
*Cent ans bannière, cent ans civière = Up to-day, down
to-morrow; Every dog has his day.
*Cent ans bannière, cent ans civière = Today is great, tomorrow can change; Every dog has its day.*
[Bannière is here used as the mark of nobility. Also:
Aujourd’hui chevalier, demain vacher. German: Heute mir, morgen
dir. Latin: Hodie mihi, cras tibi.]
[Bannière is here used as the sign of nobility. Also: Today a knight, tomorrow a cowherd. German: Today me, tomorrow you. Latin: Today for me, tomorrow for you.]
Cent ans de chagrin ne paient pas un sou de dettes = Worrying
will not pay your debts.
Cent ans de chagrin ne paient pas un sou de dettes = Worrying won't pay your bills.
Le scélérat se brûla la cervelle = The scoundrel blew his
brains out.
Le scélérat se brûla la cervelle = The scoundrel shot himself.
[Also, more pop., “se faire sauter le caisson.”]
[Also, more popular, “get blown up.”]
*A la cour du roi chacun pour soi = Every man for himself and
the devil take the hindmost. (See Sauver.)
*A la cour du roi chacun pour soi = Every person for themselves and let the devil take the last one. (See Sauver.)
Chacun cherche son semblable = Like will to like. (See Pot
and Tel.)
Chacun cherche son semblable = Birds of a feather flock together. (See Pot
and Tel.)
[“Entre gens de même nature
L’amitié se fait et dure
Mais entre gens de contraire nature
Ni amour ni amitié dure.”]
["With people who are alike
Friendship is built and endures
But with those who are different
Neither love nor friendship lasts."]
Cela fait venir la chair de poule = That makes one’s flesh
creep.
Cela fait venir la chair de poule = That gives you goosebumps.
Je l’ai vu en chair et en os = I saw him in flesh and blood.
Je l’ai vu en chair et en os = I saw him in person.
Ni chair ni poisson = Neither fish, flesh, nor fowl.
Ni chair ni poisson = Neither fish, meat, nor poultry.
Être assis entre deux chaises = To fall between two stools.
(See Chasser.)
Être assis entre deux chaises = To fall between two stools.
(See Chasser.)
Il y a bien des chambres à louer dans sa tête = He is an
empty-headed fellow.
Il y a bien des chambres à louer dans sa tête = He is a bit thick-headed.
Rejeter le moucheron et avaler le chameau = To strain at a gnat
and swallow a camel.
Rejeter le moucheron et avaler le chameau = To focus on small details while ignoring the bigger picture.
Il est fou à courir les champs = He is as mad as a March hare.
Il est fou à courir les champs = He is as crazy as a March hare.
Nous prendrons la clef des champs = We shall take the key of
the street (i.e., run away).
Nous prendrons la clef des champs = We will take off (i.e., run away).
Un rien le met aux champs = A trifle throws him into a passion,
bewilders him.
Un rien le met aux champs = Something trivial sets him off, confuses him.
Être aux champs = To be put out, bewildered, angry.
Être aux champs = To feel overwhelmed, confused, or angry.
Prendre du champ = To take a run (before leap); To have room
before one (for an effort).
Prendre du champ = To take a run (before leap); To have space in front of you (for an effort).
[“Ils prirent du champ et coururent l’un sur l’autre avec
furie.”—Chateaubriand, Dernier des Abencérages, 185.]
["They took to the field and ran at each other furiously."—Chateaubriand, Dernier des Abencérages, 185.]
Chance vaut mieux que bien jouer = Luck is better than wit or
brains.
Chance vaut mieux que bien jouer = Luck is better than skill or intelligence.
Il n’est chance qui ne retourne = The luck must change.
Il n’est chance qui ne retourne = Luck always changes.
*A chaque saint sa chandelle = Honour to whom honour is due;
Every lawyer must have his fee.
*A chaque saint sa chandelle = Respect those who deserve it; Every lawyer should get paid.
Il vous doit une belle chandelle = He ought to be very grateful
to you.
Il vous doit une belle chandelle = He should be really thankful to you.
[An allusion to the custom of burning candles before the altars of
Saints, as a mark of gratitude, considered due to them.]
[An allusion to the practice of lighting candles at the altars of Saints as a sign of appreciation, considered appropriate for them.]
Voir des chandelles (or, mille chandelles) = “To see stars.”
(See Étoile.)
Voir des chandelles (or, mille chandelles) = “To see stars.”
(See Étoile.)
Donner une chandelle à Dieu et une au diable = To try and keep
in with both parties.
Donner une chandelle à Dieu et une au diable = To try to please both sides.
Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle = The game is not worth the
candle; It is not worth while.
Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle = The game isn’t worth the candle; It’s not worthwhile.
[i.e., when the stakes are not sufficient to pay for the candle
burnt during the game.]
[i.e., when the rewards aren't enough to cover the cost of the candle used during the game.]
*C’est une économie de bouts de chandelle = That is penny-wise
and pound-foolish; That is spoiling the ship for a ha’porth
(halfpennyworth) of tar; That is a cheese-paring policy.
C’est une économie de bouts de chandelle = That's being stingy to the point of being foolish; That's ruining the whole for the sake of a tiny expense; That's a very frugal approach.
Brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts = To burn the candle at
both ends.
Brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts = To burn the candle at both ends.
Donner le change = To put off the scent, to mislead.
Donner le change = To throw someone off, to mislead.
Vous ne me ferez pas prendre le change = You will not impose
upon me, put me on the wrong scent.
Vous ne me ferez pas prendre le change = You won't trick me or lead me astray.
[Expressions taken from hunting, where the dogs leave the track of
the game they have raised, to run on another scent.]
[Expressions taken from hunting, where the dogs abandon the trail of the game they have found to chase a different scent.]
Je lui ai rendu le change = I paid him back in his own coin.
(See Monnaie.)
Je lui ai rendu le change = I paid him back in his own terms.
(See Monnaie.)
Changer son cheval borgne contre un aveugle = To lose in an
exchange.
Changer son cheval borgne contre un aveugle = To lose in a trade.
Il en a l’air et la chanson = He looks it every inch; He has
both the appearance and the actuality.
Il en a l’air et la chanson = He looks the part; he has both the appearance and the reality.
C’est l’air qui fait la chanson = Words depend much on the tone
in which they are spoken; It is not so much what you say as the
way in which you say it.
C’est l’air qui fait la chanson = Words rely heavily on the tone used; it's less about what you say and more about how you say it.
*Il chante toujours la même chanson = He is always harping on
the same string.
*Il chante toujours la même chanson = He always keeps singing the same song.
[“Cantilenam eandem canere.”
Terence, Phormio, iii. 2, 10.
["To sing the same song again."
Terence, Phormio, III.2.10.
“Chorda qui semper oberrat eadem.”
Horace, Ars Poet., 356.]
“The fool who consistently walks the same route.”
Horace, Ars Poet., 356.]
*Tel chante qui ne rit pas = The heart may be sad though the
face be gay.
*Tel chante qui ne rit pas = The heart might be sad even if the face appears happy.*
C’est comme si je chantais = It is like talking to the air,
preaching in the desert.
C’est comme si je chantais = It's like talking to the air, preaching in the desert.
Je lui ai chanté sa gamme = I lectured him severely.
Je lui ai chanté sa gamme = I gave him a stern lecture.
Une porte mal graissée chante = One must pay well to keep
persons quiet.
Une porte mal graissée chante = You have to pay well to keep people quiet.
Elle chante à faire pitié = She sings most wretchedly.
Elle chante à faire pitié = She sings in an incredibly pitiful way.
Chanter juste = To sing in tune.
Chanter juste = To sing on pitch.
Si ça vous chante (fam.) = If you are in the mood for it.
Si ça vous chante (slang) = If you feel like it.
Voici la reine, chapeau bas! = Here is the Queen, hats off.
Voici la reine, chapeau bas! = Here is the Queen, take off your hats.
Le chapelet commence à se défiler = The association is
beginning to break up.
Le chapelet commence à se défiler = The group is starting to fall apart.
Défiler (or, dire) son chapelet = To say all one has to say.
Défiler (or, dire) son chapelet = To express everything one needs to say.
Il n’a pas gagné cela en disant son chapelet = He did not get
that for nothing.
Il n’a pas gagné cela en disant son chapelet = He didn’t earn that easily.
*Qui chapon mange, chapon lui vient = He that has plenty shall
have more.
*Qui chapon mange, chapon lui vient = Those who have a lot will get even more.
*Charbonnier est maître chez lui (or, chez soi) = Every one
is master in his own house; An Englishman’s house is his castle.
*Charbonnier est maître chez lui (or, chez soi) = Everyone is the boss in their own home; An Englishman's home is his castle.
[In the Commentaires de Blaise de Monluc, Maréchal de France
(ed. Alphonse de Ruble, pour la Société de l’Histoire de France,
tome iii. p. 482, Paris, 1867), in a remonstrance to the king
he says: “car chacun est roy en sa maison, comme respondit le
charbonnier à votre ayeul.” M. de Ruble appends this note:
“François Ier, à la suite d’une chasse qui l’avait séparé de sa
suite, se perdit dans une forêt et chercha un asile dans la cabane
d’un charbonnier. L’homme était absent; le roi ne trouva que la
charbonnière, s’empara du meilleur siège et demanda à souper.
La femme voulut attendre l’arrivée de son mari. A son retour,
celui-ci reprit brusquement son siège et offrit un simple escabeau
au roi: ‘Je prendz cette chaise,’ dit-il, ‘parce qu’elle est à moi:
Or, par droit et par raison,
Chacun est maître en sa maison.’
[In the Commentaires de Blaise de Monluc, Maréchal de France
(ed. Alphonse de Ruble, pour la Société de l’Histoire de France,
tome iii. p. 482, Paris, 1867), in a message to the king
he says: “because everyone is king in their own home, as the charcoal burner replied to your ancestor.” M. de Ruble adds this note:
“Francis Ier, after a hunt that had separated him from his entourage, got lost in a forest and sought shelter in the hut of a charcoal burner. The man was away; the king found only the charcoal burner’s wife, took the best seat, and asked for dinner. The woman wanted to wait for her husband to return. Upon his return, he abruptly took back his seat and offered a simple stool to the king: ‘I will take this chair,’ he said, ‘because it belongs to me:
Now, by right and by reasoning,
Everyone is the master of their own home.’
Le roi, charmé de n’être point reconnu, obéit à son hôte. On soupa
d’un quartier de chevreuil tué en cachette, on médit du roi, des
tailles qu’il venait d’ordonner et surtout de sa sévérité pour la
chasse. Le lendemain, François se fit connaître. Le charbonnier
se crut perdu, mais le roi le rassura, et, pour prix de son
hospitalité, lui accorda de grandes faveurs, entre autres le droit
de chasser. A son retour à la cour, il rapporta le récit de son
aventure et surtout le proverbe qu’il venait d’apprendre.” Also in
La Belle Arsène, comédie-féerie de C. S. Favart, acted before
the king in 1773, we find this proverb (Act iv. Sc. 2).]
The king, happy to stay incognito, went along with his host. They had dinner with a piece of deer meat that had been taken secretly and talked about the king, the new taxes he had just imposed, and especially his strict rules about hunting. The next day, François revealed who he was. The charcoal burner thought he was finished, but the king calmed him down and, as a reward for his hospitality, granted him plenty of favors, including the right to hunt. When he returned to the court, he shared the story of his adventure and especially the proverb he had just learned. Also in La Belle Arsène, comédie-féerie de C. S. Favart, performed before the king in 1773, we find this proverb (Act iv. Sc. 2).
Cela est à ma charge = I have to pay for it; That falls on me.
Cela est à ma charge = I'm responsible for that; It's on me.
Cela m’est à charge = That is a burden to me.
Cela m’est à charge = That weighs heavily on me.
C’est entendu, à la charge d’autant (or, de revanche) = I
will do the same for you; One good turn deserves another.
C’est entendu, à la charge d’autant (or, de revanche) = I’ll return the favor; one good deed deserves another.
*Charité bien ordonnée commence par soi-même = Charity begins
at home.
*Charité bien ordonnée commence par soi-même = Charity starts at home.*
[“Proximus sum egomet mihi.” = I myself am nearest to
myself.—Terence.]
[“Proximus sum egomet mihi.” = I myself am closest to myself.—Terence.]
La charité, s’il vous plaît! = Please give me a penny!
La charité, s’il vous plaît! = Please give me a penny!
Faire Charlemagne = To leave off a winner, without giving one’s
adversaries a chance of revenge.
Faire Charlemagne = To walk away a winner, without giving your opponents a chance for revenge.
[Génin explains this as a shortened form of faire comme
Charlemagne, who died without losing any of the conquests he had
made.]
[Génin explains this as a shortened version of faire comme Charlemagne, who died without losing any of the territories he had conquered.]
Mettre la charrette (or, charrue) devant les bœufs = To
put the cart before the horse.
Mettre la charrette (or, charrue) devant les bœufs = To put the cart before the horse.
[Lucian says: ἡ ἅμαξα τὸν βοῦν ἕλκει = The waggon
drags the ox.]
[Lucian says: The wagon drags the ox.]
Mieux vaut être cheval que charrette = Better lead than be led.
Mieux vaut être cheval que charrette = It's better to be the leader than the follower.
Faire un chassé-croisé = To go to and fro in all directions; to
exchange places; to play at[63] “puss in the corner.”
Faire un chassé-croisé = To move around in different directions; to switch places; to play at[63] “tag.”
“Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop” = What is bred in the
bone will never come out of the flesh.
Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop = What’s ingrained in you will always come back.
[Destouches, Le Glorieux, iii. 5. Comp.
Horace, Ep. I., x. 24: “naturam expellas furca, tamen
usque recurret,” and La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 18:
“Tant le naturel a de force!
Il se moque de tout...
Qu’on lui ferme la porte au nez
Il reviendra par les fenêtres.”
[Destouches, Le Glorieux, iii. 5. Comp. Horace, Ep. I., x. 24: “you can try to push nature away, but it will always come back,” and La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 18: “Nature is so powerful!
It doesn't care about anything...
Even if you shut the door in its face,
It will still find a way in through the windows.”
Frederick the Great wrote to Voltaire (19th March 1771): “Chassez
les préjugés par la porte, ils reviendront par la fenêtre.”
Frederick the Great wrote to Voltaire (March 19, 1771): “Drive out prejudices through the door, they will come back in through the window.”
Also: Qui naquit chat court après les souris.]
Also: Qui naquit chat court après les souris.
*Qui deux choses chasse, ni l’une ni l’autre ne prend = Between
two stools one falls to the ground.
*Qui deux choses chasse, ni l’une ni l’autre ne prend = If you chase two things, you won’t catch either.
Ne chassez pas deux lièvres à la fois = Do not have too many
irons in the fire.
Ne chassez pas deux lièvres à la fois = Don't try to chase two hares at once.
Il chasse de race = He is a chip of the old block.
Il chasse de race = He is cut from the same cloth.
Un clou chasse l’autre = One idea drives away another.
Un clou chasse l’autre = One idea pushes out another.
*A bon chat bon rat = A Roland for an Oliver; Tit for tat;
Diamond cut diamond.
*i lang="fr">A bon chat bon rat = A Roland for an Oliver; Tit for tat; Diamond cut diamond.
*Chat échaudé craint l’eau froide = A burnt child dreads the
fire; Once bit, twice shy.
*Chat échaudé craint l’eau froide = A burnt child fears cold water; Once bitten, twice shy.*
[The Jewish Rabbis said: “One bitten by a serpent is afraid of a
rope’s end.”
[The Jewish Rabbis said: “Someone who's been bitten by a snake is scared of the end of a rope.”]
Hesiod says: “Even a fool after suffering gets him knowledge”; the
Italians: “Can scotato da l’acqua calda ha paura poi della fredda”
= A dog burnt by hot water afterwards fears cold.]
Hesiod says: “Even a fool learns after suffering”; the Italians: “A dog burned by hot water is later afraid of cold.”
J’appelle un chat un chat = I call a spade a spade. (See
Appeler.)
J’appelle un chat un chat = I call it like I see it. (See Appeler.)
Avoir un chat dans la gorge = To have phlegm (or, frog) in
the throat; To be hoarse.
Avoir un chat dans la gorge = To have phlegm (or, frog) in the throat; To be hoarse.
*Nous avons d’autres chats (or, chiens) à fouetter = We
have other fish to fry.
*Nous avons d’autres chats (or, chiens) à fouetter = We have other fish to fry.
Il n’y a pas là de quoi fouetter un chat = It is not worth
getting angry about.
Il n’y a pas là de quoi fouetter un chat = It's not worth getting upset about.
*Ne réveillons pas le chat qui dort = Let sleeping dogs lie.
*Ne réveillons pas le chat qui dort = Let sleeping dogs lie.*
*Le chat parti les souris dansent = When the cat’s away the
mice will play.
*Le chat parti les souris dansent = When the cat's away, the mice will play.
*La nuit tous les chats sont gris = At night one may easily
be mistaken; At night beauty is of no account; When candles are
away, all cats are grey.
*i lang="fr">La nuit tous les chats sont gris = At night it's easy to make mistakes; At night, looks don't matter; When the lights are out, all cats look the same.
*Chat botté n’attrape pas de souris = A muffled cat catches no
mice.
*Chat botté n’attrape pas de souris = A quiet cat catches no mice.
Comme chat sur braise = Like a cat on hot bricks.
Comme chat sur braise = Like a cat on hot coals.
Il n’y a pas un chat = There is not a soul.
Il n’y a pas un chat = There's not a single person.
Aller comme un chat maigre = To run like a lamplighter. (See
Verrier.)
Aller comme un chat maigre = To run like a lamplighter. (See
Verrier.)
Faire des châteaux en Espagne = To build castles in the air.
Faire des châteaux en Espagne = To daydream.
[This expression is found from the thirteenth century. The
explanation that would ascribe it to the followers of the Duc
d’Anjou when he became Philippe V. of Spain must therefore be
incorrect. The phrases “Châteaux en Asie, en Albanie” were
also used, so that it comes to mean “to build castles in
foreign countries, where one is not,” and hence “to indulge in
illusions.”—Littré, s.v.
[This expression dates back to the thirteenth century. The explanation linking it to the followers of the Duc d’Anjou when he became Philippe V of Spain must therefore be wrong. The phrases “Châteaux en Asie, en Albanie” were also used, meaning “to build castles in foreign countries, where one is not,” and thus “to indulge in illusions.”—Littré, s.v.
“Chatiaus en Espagne.”—Guillaume de Lorris, Roman de la
Rose, l. 2530.
“Chatiaus en Espagne.”—Guillaume de Lorris, Roman de la Rose, l. 2530.
“De quoi sert-il de bastir des chasteaux en Espagne puisqu’il faut
habiter en France?” St. François de Sales, lettre 856.]
“What's the point of building castles in Spain if you have to live in France?” St. François de Sales, letter 856.
Pleurer à chaudes larmes = To cry bitterly.
Pleurer à chaudes larmes = To cry hard.
*Tomber de fièvre en chaud mal = To fall out of the frying-pan
into the fire.
*Tomber de fièvre en chaud mal = To fall out of the frying pan into the fire.
Cela ne me fait ni froid ni chaud = That is indifferent to me.
Cela ne me fait ni froid ni chaud = I don't care about that.
Il a les pieds bien chauds = He is in very easy circumstances.
Il a les pieds bien chauds = He is in very comfortable circumstances.
*Petit chaudron, grandes oreilles = Little pitchers have long
ears.
*i lang="fr">Petit chaudron, grandes oreilles = Small containers have big ears.
C’est un bain qui chauffe = There is a shower coming on.
C’est un bain qui chauffe = There’s a shower about to happen.
[When it feels close, or when the sun is seen for a few minutes
through the clouds, it is looked upon as a sign of rain.]
[When it feels damp, or when the sun peeks out for a few minutes through the clouds, it's seen as a sign that rain is coming.]
Ce n’est pas pour vous que le four chauffe = All these
preparations are not for you.
Ce n’est pas pour vous que le four chauffe = All of these preparations are not for you.
Les cordonniers sont les plus mal chaussés = The shoemaker’s
wife goes the worst shod.
Les cordonniers sont les plus mal chaussés = The shoemaker's wife is the worst shod.
Chauve comme mon genou (fam.) = As bald as a coot, as a
billiard ball.
Chauve comme mon genou (slang) = As bald as a coot, like a billiard ball.
Elle a une grande fortune de son chef = She has a large fortune
in her own right.
Elle a une grande fortune de son chef = She has a significant fortune on her own.
Faire une chose de son chef = To do a thing on one’s own
responsibility.
Faire une chose de son chef = To do something on your own authority.
Chemin faisant = On the way.
Le chemin de velours = The primrose path.
Le chemin de velours = The easy way.
En tout pays il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin = (fig.) In
every enterprise difficulties have to be encountered.
En tout pays il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin = (fig.) In every endeavor, challenges must be faced.
Il ne faut pas y aller par quatre chemins = You must not beat
about the bush; You must go straight to the point; You must not
mince matters; It’s no good shilly-shallying.
Il ne faut pas y aller par quatre chemins = You shouldn't beat around the bush; You should get straight to the point; You shouldn't sugarcoat things; There's no point in hesitating.
*Qui trop se hâte reste en chemin = The more haste, the less
speed; Slow and sure wins the race. (See Hâte.)
*Qui trop se hâte reste en chemin = The more you rush, the less you accomplish; Slow and steady wins the race. (See Hâte.)
*Le chemin le plus long est souvent le plus court = The longest
way round often proves to be the shortest; A short cut may be a
very long way home.
*Le chemin le plus long est souvent le plus court = The longest route often turns out to be the quickest; a shortcut might actually lead you far away from home.
Prendre le chemin de l’école (or, des écoliers) = To take the
longest way (a roundabout way).
Prendre le chemin de l’école (or, des écoliers) = To take the longest way (a roundabout way).
*À chemin battu il ne croît pas d’herbe = (fig.) There is no
profit in an affair in which many are engaged.
*i lang="fr">À chemin battu il ne croît pas d’herbe = (fig.) There’s no benefit in an undertaking that many are involved in.
Se frayer un chemin avec les coudes = To elbow one’s way
through a crowd.
Se frayer un chemin avec les coudes = To push through a crowd.
Il faut faire une croix à la cheminée = “We must chalk it up”
(of an event that seldom happens.)
Il faut faire une croix à la cheminée = “We need to mark it down”
(of an event that rarely happens.)
Sous le manteau de la cheminée = Secretly, sub rosa.
Sous le manteau de la cheminée = Secretly, sub rosa.
*À cheval donné on ne regarde pas à la bride (or, à la dent)
= One does not look a gift-horse in the mouth.
*À cheval donné on ne regarde pas à la bride (or, à la dent)
= One does not look a gift-horse in the mouth.
[Late Latin: “Si quis det mannos, ne quaere in dentibus annos.”]
[Late Latin: “Si quis det mannos, ne quaere in dentibus annos.”]
On loge à pied et à cheval = Good entertainment (accommodation)
for man and beast.
On loge à pied et à cheval = Great lodging for people and animals.
L’œil du maître engraisse le cheval = Matters prosper under
the master’s eye.
L’œil du maître engraisse le cheval = Things thrive when the master is watching.
[“Il n’est pour voir que l’œil du maître.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 21.]
[“It's only the master's eye that can see.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 21.
Il est aisé d’aller à pied quand on tient son cheval par la
bride = It is easy to stoop from state when that state can be
resumed at will.
Il est aisé d’aller à pied quand on tient son cheval par la
bride = It’s easy to walk when you can get back on your horse anytime.
Il n’est si bon cheval qui ne bronche = The best horse may
stumble; Accidents will happen.
Il n’est si bon cheval qui ne bronche = Even the best horse can trip; accidents can occur.
[Also: Il n’est si bon charretier qui ne verse.]
[Also: There is no good wagon driver who doesn't spill.]
Il a changé son cheval borgne contre un aveugle = He has
changed for the worse; He has made a bad bargain.
Il a changé son cheval borgne contre un aveugle = He has made a bad deal; He's worse off now.
Monter sur ses grands chevaux = To ride the high horse.
Monter sur ses grands chevaux = To get on your high horse.
[A reference to the big war horses used by knights in battle.]
[A reference to the large war horses used by knights in battle.]
Je lui ai écrit une lettre à cheval = I wrote him a severe
letter.
Je lui ai écrit une lettre à cheval = I wrote him a harsh letter.
Il est toujours à cheval sur l’étiquette = He is a stickler for
etiquette.
Il est toujours à cheval sur l’étiquette = He is very particular about manners.
Il est bon cheval de trompette = He is not easily dismayed.
Il est bon cheval de trompette = He is not easily discouraged.
Un cheval à deux fins = A horse for riding or driving.
Un cheval à deux fins = A horse for riding or pulling.
J’ai une fièvre de cheval = I am in a high fever.
J’ai une fièvre de cheval = I have a high fever.
Un chevalier d’industrie = A swindler, a man who lives by his
wits.
Un chevalier d’industrie = A con artist, a person who survives through clever tricks.
Cette comparaison est tirée par les cheveux = That comparison
is somewhat far-fetched.
Cette comparaison est tirée par les cheveux = That comparison is a bit of a stretch.
On ne peut prendre aux cheveux un homme rasé = One cannot get
blood from a stone. (See Huile.)
On ne peut prendre aux cheveux un homme rasé = You can't get blood from a stone. (See Huile.)
En cheveux (of a woman) = Bareheaded.
En cheveux (of a woman) = Without a head covering.
Les cheveux en brosse = Hair cut short (standing up like the
bristles of a brush).
Les cheveux en brosse = Hair cut short (sticking up like the bristles of a brush).
Prendre l’occasion aux cheveux = To take time by the forelock.
(See Balle.)
Seize the opportunity = To take time by the forelock.
(See Balle.)
Avoir mal aux cheveux (fam.) = To have a head (i.e. a
head-ache in the morning after a drinking bout.)
Avoir mal aux cheveux (slang) = To have a head (i.e. a
headache in the morning after a night of drinking.)
Vous ne lui allez pas à la cheville = You are a pigmy compared
with him; You are no match for him at all.
Vous ne lui allez pas à la cheville = You can't hold a candle to him; You are no competition for him at all.
La cheville ouvrière = The mainspring, pivot.
La cheville ouvrière = The key element, central point.
*Ménager la chèvre et le chou = To run with the hare and hunt
with the hounds.
*Ménager la chèvre et le chou = To juggle different interests or try to please everyone.
[The French refers to the tale of the man in charge of a wolf, a
goat, and a cabbage. He came to a river which he had to cross; but
the ferry-boat was so small that he could only take one of his
charges with him. His difficulty was to get them across, for if he
left the wolf and goat together, the wolf would eat the goat; and
if he left the goat with the cabbage the goat would eat it.]
[The French tells the story of a man who has a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage to take care of. He reached a river that he needed to cross, but the ferry was so small that he could only take one of his charges at a time. The challenge was to get them all across safely because if he left the wolf and goat together, the wolf would eat the goat; and if he left the goat with the cabbage, the goat would eat it.]
*Où la chèvre est attachée il faut qu’elle broute = One must
put up with the inconveniences of one’s position if one can get
nothing better; We must not expect more from life than life can
give us.
*Où la chèvre est attachée il faut qu’elle broute = You have to deal with the downsides of your situation if you can't find a better one; we shouldn't expect more from life than it can actually provide.
*Il n’y a pas de petit chez soi = There is no place like home;
Home is home, be it ever so humble; East, west, home is best.
*Il n’y a pas de petit chez soi = There's no place like home;
Home is home, no matter how simple; East or west, home is best.
[Also: Un petit chez soi vaut mieux qu’un grand chez les autres.
[Also: A small home of your own is better than a big home elsewhere.
“My house, my house, though thou art small,
Thou art to me the Escuriall.”
George Herbert, Jacula Prudentium.]
“My home, my home, even though it's small,
It means to me what Escurial does.”
George Herbert, Jacula Prudentium.
C’est le chien de Jean de Nivelle, il s’enfuit quand on
l’appelle = The more you call him, the more he runs away, like
John de Nivelle’s dog.
C’est le chien de Jean de Nivelle, il s’enfuit quand on
l’appelle = The more you call him, the more he runs away, like John de Nivelle’s dog.
[Jean de Nivelle was the eldest son of Jean II., Duc de
Montmorency, and was born about 1423. Having been summoned
to appear before the Judges at Paris for having espoused the
cause of the Duke of Burgundy against the wishes of the king,
Louis XI., and of his father, who disinherited him, he fled to
Flanders, where his wife had property. He therefore became an
object of scorn to the people for refusing to answer the summons
of his king, and they called him chien: the saying ought to
run: C’est CE chien de Jean de Nivelle. La Fontaine
evidently thought the phrase referred to a real dog when he
wrote:—
“Une traîtresse voix bien souvent vous appelle,
Ne vous pressez donc nullement,
Ce n’était pas un sot, non, non et croyez m’en.
Que le chien de Jean de Nivelle.”
Compare the Italian:—
Far come il can d’Arlotto que chiamoto se la batte.]
[Jean de Nivelle was the oldest son of Jean II, Duke of Montmorency, and was born around 1423. He was called to appear before the judges in Paris for supporting the Duke of Burgundy against the wishes of King Louis XI and his father, who disowned him. He fled to Flanders, where his wife owned property. As a result, he became the subject of ridicule for refusing to answer his king's summons, and people called him chien: the saying should go: C’est CE chien de Jean de Nivelle. La Fontaine clearly thought the phrase referred to a real dog when he wrote:—
“A deceitful voice often beckons you,
So take your time,
He wasn’t an idiot, no, no, trust me.
That’s Jean de Nivelle’s dog.”
Compare the Italian:—
Like Arlotto’s dog, who runs away when called.]
*Qui veut noyer son chien l’accuse de la rage = Give your dog a
bad name and hang him.
*Qui veut noyer son chien l’accuse de la rage = Blame your dog and get rid of him.
[Quos Jupiter vult perdere prius dementat.]
[Quos Jupiter vult perdere prius dementat.]
Je jette ma langue aux chiens = I give it up (of riddles, etc.).
Je jette ma langue aux chiens = I give up (on riddles, etc.).
[Also: Je donne ma langue aux chats.]
Nous sommes sortis entre chien et loup = We went out at dusk,
between the lights.
Nous sommes sortis entre chien et loup = We went out at twilight, between the lights.
[i.e. when you could easily mistake a wolf for a dog; or, as
others say, between the time when the watch-dog is let loose and
the time when the wolf comes out of the wood.]
[i.e. when you could easily confuse a wolf with a dog; or, as others put it, between the moment the watchdog is released and when the wolf appears from the woods.]
Un chien regarde bien un évêque = A cat may look at a king.
Un chien regarde bien un évêque = A cat can look at a king.
Il fait un chien de temps (or, un temps de chien) (fam.) = It
is wretched weather.
Il fait un chien de temps (or, un temps de chien) (fam.) = The weather is terrible.
C’est saint Roch et son chien que ces deux personnes-là = These
two persons are inseparable.
C’est saint Roch et son chien que ces deux personnes-là = These two people are inseparable.
*Bon chien chasse de race = Like sire, like son; Cat after kind.
*Bon chien chasse de race = Like father, like son; A cat behaves like its kind.*
C’est le chien du jardinier qui ne mange pas de choux et n’en
laisse pas manger aux autres = He is a dog in the manger.
C’est le chien du jardinier qui ne mange pas de choux et n’en
laisse pas manger aux autres = He's a dog in the manger.
Écorcher son chien pour en avoir la peau = To sacrifice
something important for a small return.
Écorcher son chien pour en avoir la peau = To give up something valuable for a little gain.
Chien qui aboie ne mord pas = His bark is worse than his bite.
Chien qui aboie ne mord pas = His bark is worse than his bite.
[Also: Tel fiert qui ne tue pas, and Chat miauleur ne fut
jamais bon chasseur, non plus qu’homme sage caqueteur.]
[Also: Such pride that doesn’t kill, and A meowing cat was never a good hunter, just as a wise man isn’t a chatterbox.]
Autant vaut être mordu d’un chien que d’une chienne = As well
be hanged for a sheep as a lamb; What is the use of choosing
between two evils?
Autant vaut être mordu d’un chien que d’une chienne = You might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb; What’s the point of picking between two bad options?
On l’a reçu comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles = He was as
welcome as a dog at a wedding.
On l’a reçu comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles = He was as welcome as a dog at a wedding.
*Il ne faut pas se moquer des chiens (or, du loup) avant
qu’on ne soit hors du bois = Do not holloa before you are out of
the wood.
*Il ne faut pas se moquer des chiens (or, du loup) avant
qu’on ne soit hors du bois = Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Il n’attache pas ses chiens avec des saucisses = He is a
regular miser.
Il n’attache pas ses chiens avec des saucisses = He’s an absolute cheapskate.
Chien hargneux a toujours l’oreille déchirée = Quarrelsome folk
are always in the wars.
Chien hargneux a toujours l’oreille déchirée = People who are always fighting tend to end up hurt.
Jamais bon chien n’a rongé bon os = A good dog rarely gets a
good bone; Men rarely get their deserts.
Jamais bon chien n’a rongé bon os = A good dog hardly ever gets a good bone; Men barely get what they deserve.
Se regarder en chiens de faïence = To look at one another
without talking (like stuck pigs).
Se regarder en chiens de faïence = To stare at each other without speaking (like caught animals).
Nous causions chiffons (of women) = We were chattering about
dress.
Nous causions chiffons (of women) = We were talking about clothes.
Elle a une petite mine chiffonnée = She has irregular features,
but her expression is pleasing.
Elle a une petite mine chiffonnée = She has a bit of a scrunched-up face, but her expression is nice.
*Chômer les fêtes avant qu’elles ne soient venues = To count
one’s chickens before they are hatched.
*Chômer les fêtes avant qu’elles ne soient venues = To count one’s chickens before they are hatched.
[“Laissons venir la fête avant que la chômer.”
Molière, Le Dépit Amoureux, i. 1.]
[“Let the celebration come before the idleness.”
Molière, Le Dépit Amoureux, i. 1.]
C’est un saint qu’on ne chôme point = He is in no great repute.
C’est un saint qu’on ne chôme point = He is not well-regarded.
[“L’honneur est un vieux saint que l’on ne chôme plus.”
Régnier, Satires, xiii.]
[“Honor is an old saint that we no longer worship.”
Régnier, Satires, xiii.]
Dites bien des choses de ma part à votre frère = Remember me
kindly to your brother.
Dites bien des choses de ma part à votre frère = Please say nice things about me to your brother.
Rester tout chose = To be confused.
Rester tout chose = To be mixed up.
Il était tout chose = He was out of sorts; out of spirits; cast
down.
Il était tout chose = He was feeling off; in bad spirits; downcast.
Monsieur Chose (or, Machin) = “Mr. What’s-his-name.”
Monsieur Chose (or, Machin) = “Mr. So-and-so.”
On l’envoya planter ses choux = He was dismissed.
On l’envoya planter ses choux = He was let go.
Aller planter ses choux (or, garder les dindons) = To retire
into the country.
Aller planter ses choux (or, garder les dindons) = To get away to the countryside.
Chou pour chou = Taking one thing with another.
Chou pour chou = Taking one thing alongside another.
[The whole expression is: Chou pour chou, Aubervilliers vaut
bien Paris = Aubervilliers is as good as Paris, if it come to
counting cabbages, i.e., each thing has its particular merits.
Aubervilliers is a suburb of Paris, noted for its market gardens.]
[The whole expression is: Chou pour chou, Aubervilliers vaut bien Paris = Aubervilliers is just as good as Paris when it comes to counting cabbages, i.e., everything has its own advantages. Aubervilliers is a suburb of Paris known for its market gardens.]
Bête comme (un) chou (un pot, une cruche, une oie) =
As stupid as an owl.
Bête comme (un) chou (un pot, une cruche, une oie) =
As dumb as a rock.
Mon petit chou = My little darling.
Mon petit chou = My little sweetheart.
[This has nothing to do with a cabbage, but with a kind of puff
pastry filled with cream, in the shape of a cabbage.]
[This isn't about a cabbage, but about a type of puff pastry filled with cream, shaped like a cabbage.]
Faire ses choux gras d’une chose = To enjoy a thing that others
despise.
Faire ses choux gras d’une chose = To take pleasure in something that others dislike.
Remuer ciel et terre = To move heaven and earth; To leave no
stone unturned.
Remuer ciel et terre = To move heaven and earth; To leave no stone unturned.
Circulez, Messieurs! = Move on, please! (cry of policemen).
Circulez, Messieurs! = Move along, gentlemen! (shouted by police).
Parler clair et net = To speak plainly.
Parler clair et net = To speak clearly.
Je n’y vois pas clair = I cannot see, it is too dark.
Je n’y vois pas clair = I can't see; it's too dark.
Clair comme le jour (or, comme le soleil en plein midi) = As
plain as a pikestaff; As clear as noonday.
Clair comme le jour (or, comme le soleil en plein midi) = As clear as day; As clear as noon.
À la rentrée des classes = When school reopens.
À la rentrée des classes = When school starts again.
Mettre la clef sous la porte = To run away from one’s
creditors; “To bolt.”
Mettre la clef sous la porte = To escape from one’s creditors; “To skip out.”
La clef dont on se sert est toujours claire = One does not get
rusty in what one does every day.
La clef dont on se sert est toujours claire = You don’t lose your touch in what you do every day.
Un pas de clerc = A blunder; A false step.
Un pas de clerc = A mistake; A misstep.
Il ne faut pas parler latin devant les clercs = Do not correct
a specialist on his subject.
Il ne faut pas parler latin devant les clercs = Don't correct a specialist on their subject.
[“Les plus grands clercs ne sont pas les plus fins.”
Régnier, Satires, iii.]
[“The greatest scholars are not always the most sophisticated.”
Régnier, Satires, iii.]
Ses plaisanteries ne sont que des clichés = His jokes are
stereotyped.
Ses plaisanteries ne sont que des clichés = His jokes are just clichés.
En un clin d’œil = In a twinkling.
En un clin d’œil = In an instant.
*Qui n’entend qu’une cloche n’entend qu’un son = One should
hear both sides of a question.
*Qui n’entend qu’une cloche n’entend qu’un son = You should listen to both sides of a question.
Il est temps de fondre la cloche = The time for action has
arrived.
Il est temps de fondre la cloche = The time for action has arrived.
Déménager à la cloche de bois (fam.) = To shoot the moon; To
leave a house without paying one’s rent or one’s creditors.
Déménager à la cloche de bois (slang) = To skip out; To leave a place without paying rent or settling debts.
Il n’a jamais perdu son clocher de vue = He has never been out
of his parish.
Il n’a jamais perdu son clocher de vue = He has never lost sight of his church steeple.
Il faut placer le clocher au milieu du village = What is meant
for the benefit of all should be within reach of all.
Il faut placer le clocher au milieu du village = What is meant for everyone's benefit should be accessible to everyone.
[e.g. a lamp in the middle of the table.]
[e.g. a lamp in the center of the table.]
Avoir la maladie du clocher = To be homesick.
Avoir la maladie du clocher = To feel homesick.
[Also more often: Avoir le mal du pays.]
Ce n’est pas mal, mais il y a encore quelque chose qui cloche =
It is not bad, but there is still something wrong.
Ce n’est pas mal, mais il y a encore quelque chose qui cloche = It's not bad, but there's still something off.
*Toute comparaison cloche [or, pèche] = Comparisons are
odious.
*Toute comparaison cloche [or, pèche] = Comparisons are unpleasant.
Cela ne vaut pas un clou à soufflet = That is not worth a straw
(lit. a tin-tack).
Cela ne vaut pas un clou à soufflet = That isn't worth a dime.
Je lui ai rivé son clou (pop.) = I shut his mouth; That was a
poser for him.
Je lui ai rivé son clou (pop.) = I shut him up; That was a problem for him.
[“Vous avez fort bien fait de lui river son clou.”
Regnard, Le Distrait, iv. 7.]
["You did very well to nail him down."
Regnard, Le Distrait, iv. 7.
Un clou chasse l’autre = One idea drives away another.
Un clou chasse l’autre = One idea pushes out another.
Le clou de l’Exposition = The chief attraction of the
Exhibition.
Le clou de l’Exposition = The main highlight of the Exhibition.
C’est un pays de cocagne = It is a land flowing with milk and
honey.
C’est un pays de cocagne = It’s a land of plenty.
[“Paris est pour le riche un pays de cocagne;
Sans sortir de la ville il trouve la campagne.”
Boileau, Satires, vi.]
["Paris is like a paradise for the wealthy;
They can enjoy the countryside without ever leaving the city.”
Boileau, Satires, vi.]
Le mât de cocagne = The greasy pole.
Le mât de cocagne = The greasy pole.
C’est la mouche du coche = He is a regular busybody.
C’est la mouche du coche = He's just a constant meddler.
[La Fontaine, Fables, vii. 9, imitated from Æsop.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, vii. 9, imitated from Aesop.]
Nous n’avons pas gardé les cochons ensemble (pop.) = We have
not been dragged up together.
Nous n’avons pas gardé les cochons ensemble (pop.) = We haven't grown up together.
[The reply to a man who presumes upon acquaintance, and needs
putting down.]
[The response to a man who takes liberties because of familiarity and needs to be put in his place.]
À contre cœur = Reluctantly.
À cœur joie = To one’s heart’s content.
À cœur joie = To one's heart's content.
De gaieté de cœur = Out of sheer wantonness.
De gaieté de cœur = Just for the fun of it.
Il l’a fait de bon cœur = He did it willingly.
Il l’a fait de bon cœur = He did it with pleasure.
Dîner par cœur = To go without a dinner; To dine with Duke
Humphrey.
Dîner par cœur = To skip dinner; To have dinner with Duke Humphrey.
[Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, son of Henry IV., was renowned for
his hospitality. At his death it was reported that he would have a
monument in S. Paul’s, but he was buried at S. Alban’s Abbey. S.
Paul’s was at that time the common lounge of the town, and when
the promenaders left for dinner, those who had no dinner to go
to, used to say they would stay behind and look for the monument
of the Good Duke. A similar saying was, “To sup with Sir Thomas
Gresham,” the Exchange, built by him, being a place of resort.]
[Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, son of Henry IV, was famous for his hospitality. When he died, it was said that he would have a monument in St. Paul’s, but he was buried at St. Alban’s Abbey. At that time, St. Paul’s was the town's main hangout, and when people left for dinner, those without dinner plans would say they’d stick around and look for the monument of the Good Duke. A similar saying was, “To have dinner with Sir Thomas Gresham,” since the Exchange he built was a popular spot.]
Vous l’avez blessé au cœur = You have wounded his feelings.
Vous l’avez blessé au cœur = You have hurt his feelings.
C’est un crève cœur = It is a heart-rending thing.
C’est un crève cœur = It’s a heartbreaking thing.
*Loin des yeux, loin du cœur = Out of sight, out of mind.
*Loin des yeux, loin du cœur = Out of sight, out of mind.*
Il a cela à cœur = 1. He is striving hard to do it. 2. He
takes a lively interest in it.
Il a cela à cœur = 1. He is working hard to do it. 2. He is really interested in it.
Cela me tient au cœur = I have set my heart upon it.
Cela me tient au cœur = I'm really invested in it.
Il a mal au cœur = He is feeling sick.
Il a mal au cœur = He feels nauseous.
Il a une maladie de cœur = He has heart disease.
Il a une maladie de cœur = He has heart disease.
Elle fait la bouche en cœur = She puts on a captivating
look; She purses up her lips.
Elle fait la bouche en cœur = She puts on a charming expression; She pouts.
Elle a le cœur gros = She is ready to cry; She is
heavy-hearted.
Elle a le cœur gros = She is about to cry; She feels heavy-hearted.
Si le cœur vous en dit = If you feel like it; If you have a
mind to.
Si le cœur vous en dit = If you want to; If you're up for it.
Je veux en avoir le cœur net = I must clear that up.
Je veux en avoir le cœur net = I need to sort that out.
Il a le cœur sur les lèvres = 1. He always says what he
thinks (and this is always something good and kind); He is
open-hearted. 2. He feels sick.
Il a le cœur sur les lèvres = 1. He always speaks his mind (and it’s usually something good and kind); He is open-hearted. 2. He feels unwell.
Être plein de cœur = To be full of generosity; To be
noble-minded; To have a high sense of one’s duties towards
others.
Être plein de cœur = To be very generous; To be open-hearted; To have a strong sense of responsibility towards others.
Avoir le cœur sur la main = To be open-hearted, frank.
Avoir le cœur sur la main = To be generous and honest.
Un serrement de cœur = A sinking at the heart; A feeling of
oppression and sadness.
Un serrement de cœur = A tightness in the chest; A feeling of heaviness and sadness.
Voilà l’homme dont elle est coiffée = There is the man with
whom she is smitten.
Voilà l’homme dont elle est coiffée = There’s the guy she’s into.
Être né coiffé = To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
(literally, with a caul).
Être né coiffé = To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
(literally, with a caul).
Coiffer sainte Catherine = To remain an old maid.
Coiffer sainte Catherine = To stay single.
Cet homme mourra au coin d’un bois (or, d’une haie) = That
man will die in a ditch.
Cet homme mourra au coin d’un bois (or, d’une haie) = That man will die in a ditch.
Il est franc du collier = (of a horse) He pulls freely; (of a
man) He never shirks his work.
Il est franc du collier = (of a horse) He pulls freely; (of a man) He never avoids his work.
Reprendre le collier de misère = To return to drudgery, to the
old routine.
Reprendre le collier de misère = To go back to the grind, to the old routine.
Le feu détruisit le bâtiment de fond en comble = The fire
completely gutted the building.
Le feu détruisit le bâtiment de fond en comble = The fire completely gutted the building.
Elle est au comble de ses désirs = She is at the very height of
her wishes.
Elle est au comble de ses désirs = She is at the peak of her desires.
Pour comble de malheur, il tomba malade = To crown his
misfortune, he fell ill.
Pour comble de malheur, il tomba malade = To top it all off, he got sick.
Venez demain, nous serons en petit comité = Come to-morrow,
there will be only a few intimate friends.
Venez demain, nous serons en petit comité = Come tomorrow, there will be just a few close friends.
Comme ci, comme ça = So-so; indifferently.
Comme ci, comme ça = So-so; not great, not terrible.
Je ne l’ai pas dit, mais c’est tout comme = I did not say so,
but it is just as if I did.
Je ne l’ai pas dit, mais c’est tout comme = I didn't say it, but it's basically the same thing.
C’est tout comme = It comes to the same thing.
C’est tout comme = It means the same thing.
*N’a pas fait qui commence = The beginning is not everything.
N’a pas fait qui commence = The beginning isn't everything.
[“Qui commence le mieux ne fait rien s’il n’achève.”
Corneille.]
[“Starting off well means nothing if you don't finish.”
Corneille.
A moitié fait qui commence bien = Well begun is half done; A
good beginning is half the battle.
A moitié fait qui commence bien = Well begun is half done; A good start is half the battle.
[“Unes vespres bien sonnées sont à demy dictes.”
Rabelais, Gargantua, cxl.
[“Unes vespres bien sonnées sont à demy dictes.”
Rabelais, Gargantua, 140.
Also: Matines bien sonnées sont à moitié dites.
Also: Well-said morning prayers are halfway done.
Barbe bien savonnée est à moitié rasée.]
A well-soaped beard is half shaved.
*Qui commence mal finit mal = A bad day never has a good night.
*Qui commence mal finit mal = A bad day never ends well.
Le patron n’est pas commode (fam.) = The master (boss) knows
all our tricks, is not easily taken in, is very strict, is not an
easy customer to deal with.
Le patron n’est pas commode (fam.) = The boss knows all our tricks, isn't easily fooled, is very strict, and is tough to deal with.
Il m’a faussé compagnie = He gave me the slip; He did not keep
his appointment.
Il m’a faussé compagnie = He ditched me; He didn't show up for our meeting.
Vous me traitez comme si j’étais compagnie = You treat me as if
I were somebody.
Vous me traitez comme si j’étais compagnie = You treat me as if I were someone important.
Il n’y a si bonne compagnie qui ne se quitte = The best of
friends must part.
Il n’y a si bonne compagnie qui ne se quitte = Even the best of friends have to say goodbye.
Traiter quelqu’un de pair à compagnon = To treat any one as an
equal; To be “hail-fellow-well-met” (cheek by jowl) with any one.
Traiter quelqu’un de pair à compagnon = To treat someone as an equal; To be "friendly and close" with anyone.
*Qui a compagnon a maître = One is often obliged to give way to
the wishes of those with whom one is associated.
*i lang="fr">Qui a compagnon a maître = One often has to accommodate the desires of those they are connected with.
Avoir le compas dans l’œil (fam.) = To have a good eye for
distances.
Avoir le compas dans l’œil (slang) = To have a keen eye for distances.
C’est un rusé compère = He is a sly dog, a cunning old fox.
(See Fin and Mouche.)
C’est un rusé compère = He is a sly guy, a clever old fox.
(See Fin and Mouche.)
[Other equivalents are: un fin (or, fûté) matois (vide
Molière, George Dandin, i. 2, ad fin.), une fine
mouche.]
[Other equivalents are: un fin (or, fûté) matois (see
Molière, George Dandin, i. 2, ad fin.), une fine
mouche.]
Sans compliment = Really; sincerely; I mean really what I say.
Sans compliment = Honestly; sincerely; I truly mean what I say.
Voici votre argent, voyez si vous avez votre compte = Here is
your money, see if it is right.
Voici votre argent, voyez si vous avez votre compte = Here’s your money, check to see if it’s correct.
Erreur n’est pas compte = Errors excepted.
Erreur n’est pas compte = Errors excepted.
Je renonce à ce commerce, car je n’y trouve pas mon compte = I
am giving up this business, for I make nothing by it.
Je renonce à ce commerce, car je n’y trouve pas mon compte = I’m quitting this business because it’s not profitable for me.
Ne l’offensez pas, car vous n’y trouverez pas votre compte = Do
not offend him, for you would get more than you cared for.
Ne l’offensez pas, car vous n’y trouverez pas votre compte = Don't offend him, because you'd end up with more trouble than it's worth.
Nous nous amusons à bon compte = We amuse ourselves at a small
cost.
Nous nous amusons à bon compte = We have fun without spending much.
Vous êtes loin du compte = You are out in your reckoning.
Vous êtes loin du compte = You're way off in your calculations.
On peut toujours à bon compte revenir = There is no harm in
examining an account twice.
On peut toujours à bon compte revenir = It's always a good idea to review an account again.
Je mets cela en ligne de compte = I take that into account.
Je mets cela en ligne de compte = I consider that.
Faisons un compte rond = Let us make it even money.
Faisons un compte rond = Let's make it even money.
Pour se rendre compte de la chose = To get a clear idea of the
matter.
Pour se rendre compte de la chose = To understand the situation clearly.
Nous sommes de compte à demi dans l’entreprise = We are
partners on equal terms in the venture; We are going halves in
the venture.
Nous sommes de compte à demi dans l’entreprise = We are partners on equal terms in the venture; We are splitting the costs in the venture.
À chacun son compte = To give every one his due.
À chacun son compte = To give everyone their due.
Au bout du compte = Upon the whole; After all.
Au bout du compte = Overall; After all.
Enfin de compte = (lit.) When the addition is made; (fig.) When
all is told; When all is said and done.
Enfin de compte = (lit.) When the calculation is done; (fig.) When everything is taken into account; When it’s all said and done.
Il a son compte (or, Son compte est réglé) = 1. (lit.) He has
his due. 2. (pop.) He is done for. (See Affaire.)
Il a son compte (or, Son compte est réglé) = 1. (lit.) He has what he's owed. 2. (slang) He's finished. (See Affaire.)
Il lui compte les morceaux = He grudges him the very food he
eats.
Il lui compte les morceaux = He begrudges him the very food he eats.
*Qui compte sans son hôte compte deux fois = He who reckons
without his host must reckon again; Don’t count your chickens
before they are hatched. (See Chômer and Peau.)
Qui compte sans son hôte compte deux fois = If you make plans without considering the person throwing the party, you need to rethink your plans; Don't count your chickens before they hatch. (See Chômer and Peau.)
Comptez dessus = Depend upon it.
Vous pouvez faire des commandes en mon nom jusqu’à concurrence
de 5,000 francs = You can order goods in my name to the amount
of £200.
Vous pouvez faire des commandes en mon nom jusqu’à concurrence de 5,000 francs = You can place orders in my name for up to £200.
Il conduit bien sa barque = (fig.) He plays his cards well.
Il conduit bien sa barque = (fig.) He knows how to handle things well.
Tous ses camarades lui firent la conduite = All his companions
saw him off.
Tous ses camarades lui firent la conduite = All his friends saw him off.
C’est le diable à confesser = It is terribly hard to do.
C’est le diable à confesser = It's really difficult to admit.
On lui donnerait le bon Dieu sans confession = They would trust
him to any extent (because of his saintly appearance).
On lui donnerait le bon Dieu sans confession = They would trust him completely (because of his saintly appearance).
En connaissance de cause = Knowingly.
Je suis en pays de connaissance = I am among people I know,
among old friends.
Je suis en pays de connaissance = I am with people I know, among old friends.
Il est connu comme le loup blanc = He is known to everybody.
Il est connu comme le loup blanc = He is well known by everyone.
Il gagne à être connu = He improves upon acquaintance.
Il gagne à être connu = He gets better as you get to know him.
Je ne le connais ni d’Ève ni d’Adam = I do not know him from
Adam.
Je ne le connais ni d’Ève ni d’Adam = I don’t know him at all.
Je ne le connais ni de près ni de loin = I do not know him at
all.
Je ne le connais ni de près ni de loin = I don't know him at all.
En chiffres connus = In plain figures.
En chiffres connus = In simple numbers.
Vous y connaissez-vous en vins? = Are you a judge of wine?
Vous y connaissez-vous en vins? = Do you know much about wine?
Je m’y connais = I understand all about it; I am an authority
on it.
Je m’y connais = I know all about it; I'm an expert on it.
Connu! (fam.) = That is an old tale.
Connu! (slang) = That's an old story.
Je la connais, celle-là (pop.) = That is nothing new; I’ve been
“had” before.
Je la connais, celle-là (pop.) = That's nothing new; I've been tricked before.
*À parti pris pas de conseil = Advice is useless to one who has
made up his mind.
À parti pris pas de conseil = Advice doesn’t help someone who has already made their decision.
*La nuit porte conseil = Sleep upon it; Time will show a plan.
*La nuit porte conseil = Sleep on it; Time will reveal a plan.
Il a bientôt assemblé son conseil = He makes up his mind
without consulting any one.
Il a bientôt assemblé son conseil = He decides without consulting anyone.
“Aimez qu’on vous conseille et non pas qu’on vous loue” =
Prefer advice to praise.
“Aimez qu’on vous conseille et non pas qu’on vous loue” = Prefer advice over compliments.
[Boileau, Art Poétique, i. 192.]
[Boileau, Art Poétique, i. 192.]
*Qui ne dit mot consent = Silence gives consent.
*Qui ne dit mot consent = Silence gives consent.
Cela ne tire pas à conséquence = That is of no importance.
Cela ne tire pas à conséquence = That doesn’t matter.
Des contes à dormir debout = Tedious, nonsensical tales; Old
wives’ tales.
Des contes à dormir debout = Boring, ridiculous stories; old wives' tales.
*Contentement passe richesse = Enough is as good as a feast.
*Contentement passe richesse = Being content is as good as having a feast.
Il vous en conte de belles = He is deceiving you finely; He is
telling you fine tales.
Il vous en conte de belles = He's spinning some nice stories; He's tricking you.
Vous êtes porté sur le contrôle = Your name is placed on the
roll.
Vous êtes porté sur le contrôle = Your name is added to the list.
Une chaîne contrôlée = A hall-marked chain.
Une chaîne contrôlée = A certified chain.
Vous prêchez un converti = You are talking to a man who thinks
with you.
Vous prêchez un converti = You are talking to someone who agrees with you.
Il est comme un coq en pâte = He is in clover.
Il est comme un coq en pâte = He's living the good life.
[Lit. one kept separately from the others to be fattened; pâte
is its food. Comme rats en paille is sometimes used.]
[Lit. one kept separately from the others to be fattened; pâte is its food. Comme rats en paille is sometimes used.]
Il est le coq du village = He is the cock of the walk.
Il est le coq du village = He is the big shot in town.
Des coq-à-l’âne = Cock and bull stories; Disconnected
rigmaroles.
Des coq-à-l’âne = Tall tales; Random nonsense.
À qui vendez-vous vos coquilles? = Tell that to the marines.
(See Autre.)
À qui vendez-vous vos coquilles? = Don't waste my time with that.
(See Autre.)
[Charles d’Orléans, Rondeau, 148.]
[Charles d’Orléans, Rondeau, 148.]
Rentrer dans sa coquille = To draw in one’s horns.
Rentrer dans sa coquille = To pull back into your shell.
Il fait bien valoir ses coquilles = He praises his goods too
much.
Il fait bien valoir ses coquilles = He promotes his stuff too much.
À cor et à cri = With hue and cry; Vehemently.
À cor et à cri = With loud protests; Vehemently.
Demander à cor et à cri = To clamour for.
Demander à cor et à cri = To shout out for.
Être au bout de sa corde (or, son rouleau) = To be at the end
of one’s tether; To have no more to say.
Être au bout de sa corde (or, son rouleau) = To be at the end of one's rope; To have nothing left to say.
Vous verrez beau jeu si la corde ne rompt = You will see fine
fun if no accident happens, if no hitch occurs.
Vous verrez beau jeu si la corde ne rompt = You’ll have a great time if nothing goes wrong, if no issues come up.
Cette affaire a passé à fleur de corde = That business only
just succeeded.
Cette affaire a passé à fleur de corde = That business barely made it.
Cet homme file sa corde = That man will bring himself to the
gallows.
Cet homme file sa corde = That man is setting himself up for the gallows.
Il ne faut pas parler de corde dans la maison d’un pendu =
We must not make personal remarks; We must not allude to the
skeleton in the cupboard. (See Boiteux.)
Il ne faut pas parler de corde dans la maison d’un pendu = We shouldn't make personal comments; we shouldn't mention the skeleton in the closet. (See Boiteux.)
Il a de la corde de pendu dans sa poche = He has the devil’s
own luck.
Il a de la corde de pendu dans sa poche = He has the devil’s own luck.
[A piece of the rope with which a man had been hanged was, and
is even now, considered as a charm against ill-luck. Archbishop
Trench adduces other proverbs in reference to the man whose luck
never forsakes him, so that from the very things which would be
another man’s ruin, he extricates himself not only without harm
but with credit: e.g. the Arabic: “Cast him into the Nile, and
he will come up with a fish in his mouth”; the German: “Würf er
einen Groschen aufs Dach, fiel ihm ein Taler herunter” = If he
threw a penny on to the roof, a dollar would come back to him.]
[A piece of the rope used to hang a man was, and still is, seen as a charm against bad luck. Archbishop Trench cites other sayings about the person whose luck never runs out, so that from situations that would ruin another person, he manages to escape not only unscathed but also with respect: e.g. the Arabic: “Throw him into the Nile, and he will surface with a fish in his mouth”; the German: “Würf er einen Groschen aufs Dach, fiel ihm ein Taler herunter” = If he threw a penny onto the roof, a dollar would come back to him.]
Il tient la corde = He is leading; He is first favourite.
Il tient la corde = He is in the lead; He is the frontrunner.
Vous touchez la corde sensible = You are touching the sore
point.
Vous touchez la corde sensible = You are hitting a nerve.
Ne touchez pas cette corde = (fig.) Do not speak of that.
Don’t touch that topic = (fig.) Don't bring that up.
Cela est usé jusqu’à la corde = (lit.) That is worn threadbare;
(fig.) That is thoroughly hackneyed.
Cela est usé jusqu’à la corde = (lit.) That is worn out;
(fig.) That is completely clichéd.
Aux États-Unis les rues sont tirées au cordeau = In the United
States the streets are perfectly straight.
Aux États-Unis les rues sont tirées au cordeau = In the United States, the streets are laid out in straight lines.
Cordon, s’il vous plaît = Open the door, please (to porters in
Paris).
Cordon, s’il vous plaît = Please open the door (to porters in Paris).
Ne faites pas de cornes à ce livre = Do not dog’s-ear that book.
Ne faites pas de cornes à ce livre = Don't dog-ear that book.
Bayer aux corneilles = To stare (or, gape) about vacantly.
Bayer aux corneilles = To stare (or, gape) aimlessly.
C’est un drôle de corps = He is an odd fellow, a queer fish.
C’est un drôle de corps = He is an unusual guy, a strange character.
Nous verrons ce qu’il a dans le corps = We will see what he is
made of.
Nous verrons ce qu’il a dans le corps = We will see what he's made of.
Il s’est jeté à corps perdu dans cette affaire = He threw
himself headlong (or, with might and main) into the matter.
Il s’est jeté à corps perdu dans cette affaire = He dived headfirst into the situation.
Je le saisis à bras le corps = I seized him round the waist (in
a struggle).
Je le saisis à bras le corps = I grabbed him around the waist (in a struggle).
Ils se sont battus corps à corps = They fought hand to hand.
Ils se sont battus corps à corps = They fought up close.
Je l’ai fait à mon corps défendant = I did it reluctantly, in
self-defence.
Je l’ai fait à mon corps défendant = I did it unwillingly, to defend myself.
Prendre du corps = To get fat.
Prendre du corps = To gain weight.
Il a l’âme chevillée dans le corps = He has as many lives as a
cat.
Il a l’âme chevillée dans le corps = He has as many lives as a cat.
*À corsaire, corsaire et demi = Set a thief to catch a thief.
*À corsaire, corsaire et demi = It takes one to know one.*
[“Ars deluditur arte.”—Cato.
“Art deceives through art.”—Cato.
“A trompeur, trompeur et demy.”—Charles d’Orléans,
Rondel, 46.]
“A deceiver, deceiver and a half.”—Charles of Orléans,
Rondel, 46.]
*Corsaires contre corsaires ne font pas leurs affaires = Dog
does not eat dog. (See Loup.)
*Corsaires contre corsaires ne font pas leurs affaires = Dog does not eat dog. (See Loup.)
[“Corsaires contre corsaires,
L’un l’autre s’attaquant ne font pas leurs affaires.”—
La Fontaine, Tribut envoyé par les animaux à Alexandre,
imitating Régnier, Satire xii., ad fin., who took it from the
Spanish De corsario a corsario no se llevan que los barriles.]
[“Privateers fighting privateers,
Attacking one another doesn't help either party.” —
La Fontaine, Tribute Sent by the Animals to Alexander,
imitating Régnier, Satire xii., ad fin., who took it from the
Spanish De corsario a corsario no se llevan que los barriles.]
C’est une vraie corvée! = What a nuisance! What a bore!
C’est une vraie corvée! = What a hassle! What a drag!
[Corvée originally referred to feudal forced labour. It is now
a military term, and means “fatigue duty”; hence, any unpleasant
task.]
[Corvée originally referred to feudal forced labor. It is now a military term and means “fatigue duty”; thus, any unpleasant task.]
On lui compterait les côtes = He is nothing but skin and bone.
On lui compterait les côtes = He is nothing but skin and bones.
Être sur le côté (or, flanc) = To be on one’s back, ill.
Être sur le côté (or, flanc) = To be lying on your back, sick.
Mettre les rieurs de son côté = To turn the laugh against a man.
Mettre les rieurs de son côté = To get the crowd on your side.
Vous êtes du bon côté = You are on the right side.
Vous êtes du bon côté = You are on the right side.
Vous êtes du côté du manche = You are on the winning side.
Vous êtes du côté du manche = You're on the winning side.
Donner à côté = To miss the mark.
Donner à côté = To miss the target.
Depuis sa faillite il file un mauvais coton (fam.) = Since his
failure, his health (or, reputation) has entirely broken down.
Depuis sa faillite il file un mauvais coton (fam.) = Since his failure, he's been in really bad shape (or, his reputation has really suffered).
On est plus couché que debout = Life is short compared with
eternity.
On est plus couché que debout = Life is short compared to eternity.
Je l’ai couché en joue = I aimed at him.
Je l’ai couché en joue = I took aim at him.
Coucher dans son fourreau = To go to sleep without undressing;
To turn in all standing (nav.).
Coucher dans son fourreau = To go to bed without changing clothes; To turn in while still dressed (nav.).
*Comme on fait son lit, on se couche = As you make your bed, so
you must lie on it.
*Comme on fait son lit, on se couche = You get what you make your bed for.
Se coucher comme les poules = To go to bed with the sun, very
early.
Se coucher comme les poules = To go to bed with the sun, really early.
Coucher sur la dure = To lie on the ground, on the floor.
Coucher sur la dure = To lie on the ground, on the floor.
Il ne se mouche pas du coude (fam.) = 1. He is no fool. 2. He
does things in grand style. (See Pied.)
Il ne se mouche pas du coude (slang) = 1. He’s no fool. 2. He does things in a big way. (See Pied.)
Il a mal au coude (fam.) = He is very lazy. (See Main.)
Il a mal au coude (slang) = He’s really lazy. (See Main.)
Avoir les coudées franches = (lit.) To have elbow-room; (fig.)
To have full scope.
Avoir les coudées franches = (lit.) To have elbow room; (fig.) To have complete freedom.
On ne sait quelle pièce y coudre = One does not know how to
prevent (or, cure) it.
On ne sait quelle pièce y coudre = One doesn't know how to prevent (or, cure) it.
C’est un homme à la coule (pop.) = He is a smart, knowing chap.
C’est un homme à la coule (pop.) = He’s a cool, savvy guy.
[Compare: Il la connaît dans les coins, celui-là = He knows his
business in every corner.]
[Compare: Il la connaît dans les coins, celui-là = He knows his stuff inside and out.]
Ce qu’il dit coule de source = What he says comes from the
heart, comes fluently from his lips.
Ce qu’il dit coule de source = What he says comes naturally, flows effortlessly from his lips.
Cela coule de source = That follows naturally.
Cela coule de source = That makes sense.
Couler à fond = (of ships) To founder; (of persons) To be
ruined.
Couler à fond = (of ships) To sink; (of people) To be ruined.
*Il faut laisser couler l’eau = What can’t be cured must be
endured.
*Il faut laisser couler l’eau = What can’t be fixed must be accepted.
Faire les yeux en coulisse = To make sheep’s eyes; To ogle.
Faire les yeux en coulisse = To make doe eyes; To stare.
*Faire d’une pierre deux coups = To kill two birds with one
stone.
*Faire d’une pierre deux coups = To kill two birds with one stone.*
Cette démarche a porté coup = That step told, had its effect.
Cette démarche a porté coup = That action had an impact.
Sans coup férir = Without striking a blow.
Sans coup férir = Without lifting a finger.
Il a fait un bon coup = He has made a good bargain.
Il a fait un bon coup = He made a good deal.
Il vient de faire un mauvais coup = He has just committed a
crime.
Il vient de faire un mauvais coup = He just pulled a bad move.
Pour le coup il ne m’échappera pas = This time he will not
escape me.
Pour le coup il ne m’échappera pas = This time he won't get away from me.
J’irai à coup sûr = I shall go to a certainty.
J’irai à coup sûr = I will definitely go.
C’est donner un coup d’épée dans l’eau = It is an unsuccessful
attempt. (See Eau.)
C’est donner un coup d’épée dans l’eau = It's a failed attempt. (See Eau.)
Il m’a porté un coup fourré = He struck me a blow in the dark.
Il m’a porté un coup fourré = He hit me unexpectedly.
[This is a term derived from fencing; un coup fourré is a
blow struck at an adversary at the same moment that he strikes.]
[This is a term taken from fencing; un coup fourré is a hit delivered to an opponent at the same moment they strike.]
Le coup vaut la balle = It is worth trying.
Le coup vaut la balle = It's worth a shot.
Il faut toujours qu’elle donne son coup de patte = She always
makes sarcastic (or, unpleasant) remarks.
Il faut toujours qu’elle donne son coup de patte = She always makes snide (or, unpleasant) comments.
C’est un coup monté = It is a pre-arranged affair.
C’est un coup monté = It’s a setup.
On lui a monté le coup = They induced him to do it; They
deceived him.
On lui a monté le coup = They tricked him into doing it; They deceived him.
Il a bu un coup de trop = He has had a drop too much.
Il a bu un coup de trop = He's had one drink too many.
C’est venu après coup = It came too late, after the event.
C’est venu après coup = It came too late, after the event.
Faire les cent coups = To amuse oneself noisily; To play all
sorts of tricks.
Faire les cent coups = To have loud fun; To play all kinds of tricks.
Être aux cent coups = To be half mad (distracted) with anxiety;
To be in the greatest difficulties.
Être aux cent coups = To be a little crazy (distracted) with anxiety;
To be in a lot of trouble.
C’est un coup qui porte = That is a home-thrust.
C’est un coup qui porte = That’s a powerful strike.
Avoir un coup de marteau = To be a little touched.
Avoir un coup de marteau = To be a little off.
J’ai écrit trois lettres coup sur coup = I wrote three letters
one after the other.
J’ai écrit trois lettres coup sur coup = I wrote three letters one after another.
Un coup de sang = A rush of blood to the head.
Un coup de sang = A sudden surge of emotion.
Un coup de Jarnac = A treacherous blow; A blow below the belt.
Un coup de Jarnac = A sneaky hit; A low blow.
[In a duel before the whole Court in 1547, Gui Chabot, Seigneur de
Jarnac, wounded his adversary, La Châtaigneraie, with an unfair
stroke. La Châtaigneraie refused to survive such an affront, tore
off the bandages placed over his wound, and bled to death.]
[In a duel in front of the entire Court in 1547, Gui Chabot, Seigneur de Jarnac, injured his opponent, La Châtaigneraie, with an unfair blow. La Châtaigneraie would not accept such an insult, removed the bandages from his wound, and bled to death.]
Un coup de fouet = (lit.) A crack of a whip; (fig.) A sudden
contraction of the muscles of the leg (or back).
Un coup de fouet = (lit.) A crack of a whip; (fig.) A quick tightening of the leg (or back) muscles.
Un coup d’état = A sudden, unexpected act of policy; A violent
change in the Government (e.g. 18 brumaire 1799, or 2 décembre
1851).
Un coup d’état = A sudden, unexpected policy change; a violent shift in the government (e.g. November 9, 1799, or December 2, 1851).
Un coup de fion (fam.) = A finishing touch.
Un coup de fion (slang) = A finishing touch.
Donner le coup de grâce = To give the finishing stroke.
Donner le coup de grâce = To deliver the final blow.
Il gagna mille francs tout d’un coup = He won £40 at one shot,
all at once, at one “go.”
Il gagna mille francs tout d’un coup = He won 1,000 francs all at once, in one go.
Il s’en alla tout à coup = He went away suddenly, abruptly.
Il s’en alla tout à coup = He left suddenly.
[Tout d’un coup and tout à coup are frequently used
indiscriminately, even by French people.]
[Tout d’un coup and tout à coup are often used interchangeably, even by French speakers.]
Un coup de tête = A moment of passion; a rash action.
Un coup de tête = A spur-of-the-moment decision; an impulsive act.
Donner un coup de main = To give a helping hand.
Donner un coup de main = To lend a hand.
J’ai manqué mon coup = I missed my shot; I failed.
J’ai manqué mon coup = I missed my chance; I failed.
Ils l’ont moulu de coups = They beat him black and blue.
Ils l’ont moulu de coups = They beat him to a pulp.
[A well-known quotation from Corneille runs:
“Mes pareils à deux fois ne se font pas connaître
Et pour leurs coups d’essai veulent des coups de maître.”—Le Cid, ii. 2.]
[A well-known quotation from Corneille goes:
“My peers don’t show themselves twice
And for their practice runs, they want genius moves.”—Le Cid, ii. 2.]
*Il y a loin de la coupe aux lèvres = There is many a slip
’twixt the cup and the lip.
*Il y a loin de la coupe aux lèvres = There are many things that can go wrong before you actually enjoy what you want.*
[The Greek πολλὰ μεταξὺ πέλει κύλικος καὶ χείλεος
ἄκρου is said to have had its origin in the following
circumstances:—Anceaus, an ancient King of Samos, treated with
extreme cruelty his slaves who were planting a vineyard for him;
until at length one more ill-used than the rest prophesied that
for his cruelty he should never drink of its wine. When the first
vintage was over the master bade this slave fill him a goblet,
and, taking it in his hands, he taunted him with the failure of
his prophecy. The slave answered with these words; and as he was
speaking news was brought of a huge wild boar that was wasting the
vineyard. Setting down the untasted cup and snatching up a spear
the master went out to meet the wild boar and was slain in the
encounter. Compare the Latin: Inter calicem et os multa cadunt;
and the Spanish: De la mano a la boca se pierde la sopa.
[The Greek πολλὰ μεταξὺ πέλει κύλικος καὶ χείλεος ἄκρου is said to have originated from the following circumstances: Anceaus, an ancient King of Samos, treated his slaves who were planting a vineyard for him with extreme cruelty. Eventually, one slave who suffered the most prophesied that the king would never drink of its wine due to his cruelty. When the first vintage was ready, the king ordered this slave to fill him a goblet, and as he took it in his hands, he mocked the slave for the failure of his prophecy. The slave responded with his words, and while he was speaking, news arrived of a huge wild boar that was destroying the vineyard. The king put down the untouched cup and grabbed a spear to confront the wild boar, and he was killed in the encounter. Compare the Latin: Inter calicem et os multa cadunt; and the Spanish: De la mano a la boca se pierde la sopa.]
Other variants in French are:
Entre la bouche et le verre
Le vin souvent tombe à terre.
Vin versé n’est pas avalé.
En amour, en cour, et à la chasse.
Chacun ne prend ce qu’il pourchasse.]
Other versions in French are:
Between the mouth and the glass
The wine often spills on the ground.
Poured wine isn't consumed.
In love, in courtship, and in hunting.
Everyone only gets what they chase after.
Mettre en coupe réglée = (lit.) To cut down periodically (of
forests); (fig.) To lay regularly under contribution.
Mettre en coupe réglée = (lit.) To periodically cut down (forests); (fig.) To regularly impose a contribution.
Il s’est coupé dans ses réponses = He contradicted himself in
his answers.
Il s’est coupé dans ses réponses = He contradicted himself in his answers.
Il lui a coupé la parole = He interrupted him.
Il lui a coupé la parole = He cut him off.
Son père lui a coupé les vivres = His father stopped his
allowance.
Son père lui a coupé les vivres = His father cut off his allowance.
Ce verre de bière m’a coupé les jambes = My legs feel shaky
after that glass of beer.
Ce verre de bière m’a coupé les jambes = My legs feel wobbly after that glass of beer.
Couper un cheveu en quatre = To split hairs.
Couper un cheveu en quatre = To split hairs.
Coupons le câble = Let us take the decisive step.
Coupons le câble = Let's take the decisive step.
Cela lui a coupé le sifflet (pop.) = That stopped his mouth;
That shut him up.
Cela lui a coupé le sifflet (pop.) = That shut him up; That silenced him.
Je vais y couper (pop.) = I am going to “cut” that; I am not
going to do it.
Je vais y couper (pop.) = I'm going to "cut" that; I'm not going to do it.
Prenez votre courage à deux mains = Summon up all your courage.
Prenez votre courage à deux mains = Gather all your courage.
Courage! tout finira bien = Cheer up! all will yet be well.
Courage! tout finira bien = Hang in there! everything will be okay.
Je vous écrirai fin courant (commercial) = I will write to you
at the end of the present month.
Je vous écrirai fin courant (commercial) = I'll write to you at the end of this month.
Je ne suis pas au courant de l’affaire = I have not the latest
information on the point; I am not up (well posted) in the matter.
Je ne suis pas au courant de l’affaire = I don’t have the latest information on the topic; I'm not well informed about it.
Par le temps qui court = Nowadays; As times go.
Par le temps qui court = These days; As times go.
Être fou à courir les champs = To be as mad as a March hare.
Être fou à courir les champs = To be completely crazy like a March hare.
Nous courons même fortune = We are rowing in the same boat.
Nous courons même fortune = We're in the same boat.
“Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point” = It is no
good hurrying if you have not started in time.
Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point = There's no point in rushing if you haven't set off on time.
[La Fontaine, Le lièvre et la tortue, vi. 10.]
[La Fontaine, The Hare and the Tortoise, vi. 10.]
Répondez par retour du courrier = Answer by return of post.
Répondez par retour du courrier = Please reply by return mail.
Faire son courrier (commercial) = To write one’s letters.
Faire son courrier (commercial) = To write your letters.
Il faut lui serrer la courroie = We must curtail his allowance;
We must keep him on short commons.
Il faut lui serrer la courroie = We need to cut back on his allowance;
We have to keep him on a tight budget.
Faire du cuir d’autrui large courroie = To be generous with
other people’s money.
Faire du cuir d’autrui large courroie = To be generous with other people’s money.
Les pièces des États du Pape n’ont plus cours = The coins of
the Papal States are no longer legal tender.
Les pièces des États du Pape n’ont plus cours = The coins of the Papal States are no longer accepted as legal currency.
Un capitaine au long cours = A captain of a trading vessel
going to foreign ports.
Un capitaine au long cours = A captain of a long-distance trading ship traveling to foreign ports.
Je suis resté court = I did not know what to say.
Je suis resté court = I was at a loss for words.
Je l’ai pris à court = I took him unawares.
Je l’ai pris à court = I caught him off guard.
Il se trouve à court (d’argent) = He is short of money.
Il se trouve à court (d’argent) = He is broke.
Dites cela tout court = Say that and no more.
Dites cela tout court = Just say that.
Il l’a appelé Jean tout court = He called him simply (or,
just) John (without Mr. or surname).
Il l’a appelé Jean tout court = He just called him John (not Mr. or anything else).
Ils sont à couteaux tirés = They are at daggers drawn.
Ils sont à couteaux tirés = They are at each other's throats.
[Formerly: Ils en sont aux couteaux tirés.]
[Formerly: They are at each other's throats.]
Aller en Flandre sans couteau = To embark in an enterprise
without the necessary resources.
Aller en Flandre sans couteau = To start a project without the essential tools.
[Also: Aller aux mûres sans crochet.]
Also: Go berry-picking without hooks.
C’est comme le couteau de Jeannot = That is like the Irishman’s
gun (said of anything that has been mended so often as to have
nothing of the original left).
C’est comme le couteau de Jeannot = That's like the Irishman's gun (referring to anything that has been repaired so many times that nothing of the original remains).
Rien ne lui coûte = He sticks at nothing; He spares no trouble.
Rien ne lui coûte = He stops at nothing; He spares no effort.
Coûte que coûte = Cost what it may.
Coûte que coûte = No matter the cost.
Coûter les yeux de la tête = To cost a small fortune, a fearful
lot of money.
Coûter les yeux de la tête = To cost an arm and a leg, a crazy amount of money.
*Une fois n’est pas coutume = It is only this once; One swallow
does not make a summer; Once does not count.
*Une fois n’est pas coutume = It’s just this one time; One swallow doesn’t make a summer; Once doesn’t matter.
Il est coutumier du fait = It is not the first time he has done
it.
Il est coutumier du fait = This isn't the first time he's done it.
Ils étaient battus à plate couture = They were beaten hollow.
Ils étaient battus à plate couture = They were completely crushed.
Couvercle digne du chaudron = The lid matches the caldron; They
are a precious pair; Arcades ambo.
Couvercle digne du chaudron = The lid fits the cauldron perfectly; They are a valuable pair; Arcades ambo.
Mettez le couvert = Lay the cloth (for dinner).
Mettez le couvert = Set the table (for dinner).
Mettez un couvert de plus = Put another knife and fork (for
another guest); Lay for one more.
Mettez un couvert de plus = Set another place (for another guest); Lay out for one more.
C’est son père tout craché (fam.) = He is the very spit (or,
less fam., image) of his father.
C’est son père tout craché (fam.) = He is the spitting image (or, less fam., image) of his father.
Il a craché en l’air et ça lui est retombé sur le nez (pop.) =
He wished to do harm to another but it recoiled on himself.
Il a craché en l’air et ça lui est retombé sur le nez (pop.) = He intended to hurt someone else, but it backfired on him.
Il ne crache pas dessus = He does not despise it; He likes it
very much.
Il ne crache pas dessus = He doesn't look down on it; He really likes it.
Pendre la crémaillère = To give a house warming.
Pendre la crémaillère = To throw a housewarming party.
[Crémaillère = tige de fer suspendue au dessus du foyer d’une
cheminée garnie de crans, qui permettent de la fixer plus ou moins
haut, et terminée par un bout recourbé auquel on accroche une
marmite. Compare Longfellow’s poem “The Hanging of the Crane.”]
[Crémaillère = a iron rod hanging above the fireplace that has notches allowing it to be adjusted to different heights, ending in a curved tip that holds a pot. Compare Longfellow’s poem “The Hanging of the Crane.”]
Le roi Jean a crevé les yeux à Arthur = King John caused
Arthur’s eyes to be put out.
Le roi Jean a crevé les yeux à Arthur = King John had Arthur blinded.
Je ne voyais pas mon livre, cependant il me crevait les yeux =
I did not see my book, yet it was staring me in the face (right
under my nose).
Je ne voyais pas mon livre, cependant il me crevait les yeux = I couldn't see my book, but it was right there in front of me (under my nose).
Il n’y a qu’un cri sur son compte = There is only one opinion
about him.
Il n’y a qu’un cri sur son compte = Everyone has the same opinion about him.
Elle poussa les hauts cris = She screamed at the top of her
voice; She complained loudly.
Elle poussa les hauts cris = She shouted as loud as she could; She complained loudly.
C’est le dernier cri = It is the last thing out.
C’est le dernier cri = It's the latest trend.
Criblé de mitraille = Riddled with grape-shot.
Criblé de mitraille = Full of bullet debris.
Criblé de dettes = Over head and ears in debt.
Criblé de dettes = Deeply in debt.
Crier famine sur un tas de blé = To cry out for what one has in
plenty.
Crier famine sur un tas de blé = To complain about a shortage when one actually has more than enough.
Plumer la poule sans la faire crier = To fleece a person
adroitly, without his perceiving it.
Plumer la poule sans la faire crier = To take advantage of someone skillfully, without them noticing it.
Un républicain à tous crins = Every inch a republican.
Un républicain à tous crins = A true republican through and through.
[Properly of a horse with flowing mane and tail, hence thorough,
strong.]
[Properly of a horse with a flowing mane and tail, hence thorough, strong.]
Il a trente ans, et cependant il vit aux crochets de sa mère =
He is thirty years old, and yet his mother has to keep him.
Il a trente ans, et cependant il vit aux crochets de sa mère = He’s thirty years old, and yet he’s still relying on his mother.
Il s’en croit beaucoup = He thinks a great deal of himself.
Il s’en croit beaucoup = He thinks highly of himself.
C’est à n’y pas croire = It is not to be believed; It is so
extraordinary (incredible, preposterous) that we can hardly
believe it.
C’est à n’y pas croire = It’s hard to believe; It’s so extraordinary (incredible, outrageous) that we can barely accept it.
A l’en croire il a eu tous les prix = If he is to be believed
he won all the prizes.
A l’en croire il a eu tous les prix = If you believe him, he won all the prizes.
“Et chacun croit fort aisément
Ce qu’il craint et ce qu’il désire.”
= The wish is father to the thought.
“And everyone easily believes
What they fear and what they desire.”
= The wish is the father of the thought.
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 6. Le loup et le renard.
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 6. The Wolf and the Fox.
Compare 2 Henry IV., iv. 5.
Compare 2 Henry IV., iv. 5.
“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt.”—Cæsar,
iii. 18.]
“People easily believe what they want to believe.”—Caesar, iii. 18.]
Aller au devant de quelqu’un avec la croix et la bannière =
To receive any one with great fuss and ceremony (often used
ironically).
Aller au devant de quelqu’un avec la croix et la bannière =
To welcome someone with a lot of fuss and ceremony (often used ironically).
Votre enfant est gentil à croquer = Your child is a charming
little fellow.
Votre enfant est gentil à croquer = Your child is adorable.
Il croquait le marmot = He was dancing attendance; He was
cooling his heels.
Il croquait le marmot = He was waiting around; He was biding his time.
[Littré gives as the explanation of this obscure expression that
artists while waiting for their patrons used to draw pictures of
little monkeys (marmot) in the vestibule. Others assert that in
the antechambers of the rich were to be found dishes of cakes in
the form of little monkeys, which visitors used to eat (croquer)
whilst waiting. But both explanations need confirmation.]
[Littré explains this obscure expression by saying that artists, while waiting for their patrons, used to draw pictures of little monkeys (marmot) in the entryway. Others claim that in the waiting rooms of the wealthy, there were dishes of cakes shaped like little monkeys that visitors would eat (croquer) while they waited. However, both explanations require further validation.]
S’agenouiller à cru = To kneel on the bare ground, on the cold
stone (without a hassock or carpet).
S’agenouiller à cru = To kneel on the bare ground, on the cold stone (without a cushion or carpet).
[Literally, to kneel on the bare knee, but the quality has passed
from the person to the object.]
[Literally, to kneel on the bare knee, but the quality has transferred from the person to the object.]
C’est de son cru = That is of his own creation.
C’est de son cru = That's his own creation.
C’est une vraie cruche (fam.) = She is a silly goose.
C’est une vraie cruche (fam.) = She is a silly person.
Pester entre cuir et chair (fam.) = To fume inwardly.
Pester entre cuir et chair (fam.) = To be seething inside.
Faire des cuirs = To drop one’s h’s.
Faire des cuirs = To drop one’s h's.
[Really these are faults made by uneducated French people in
pronunciation, consisting in sounding s for t, or vice
versa, when running their words together or in pronouncing these
letters when they do not occur, as: ils étaient zici, for ils
étaient ici.]
[Really these are mistakes made by uneducated French speakers in pronunciation, where they pronounce s like t, or vice versa, when slurring their words together or pronouncing these letters when they shouldn’t, as in: ils étaient zici, for ils étaient ici.]
Les observations glissent sur lui comme sur une cuirasse =
Blame slips off him as water off a duck’s back.
Les observations glissent sur lui comme sur une cuirasse = Blame slides off him like water off a duck’s back.
Vous viendrez cuire à mon four = Some day you will need my
assistance.
Vous viendrez cuire à mon four = One day you will need my help.
Il vous en cuira = You will smart for it.
Il vous en cuira = You will pay for it.
Avoir son pain cuit = To have one’s bread and cheese, a
competency.
Avoir son pain cuit = To have your bread and cheese, a skill.
*Au bout du fossé la culbute = At the end of the run comes the
fall.
*Au bout du fossé la culbute = At the end of the ditch comes the fall.
[This expression refers to those who, from carelessness or
wrong-headedness, are resigned to the consequences of their bad
conduct.]
[This expression refers to people who, due to carelessness or stubbornness, accept the consequences of their bad behavior.]
Cuver son vin = To sleep oneself sober.
Cuver son vin = To sleep off the effects of drinking.
D.
Une grande dame de par le monde = A great lady in the eyes of
the world.
Une grande dame de par le monde = A remarkable woman in the eyes of the world.
[This should be written Une grande dame de la part du monde.
Littré points out that the error in spelling par for part is a
very old one; it would appear to date from the thirteenth century
from the examples he quotes. De par le monde must be derived
from de parte mundi, as de per was never used.]
[This should be written Une grande dame de la part du monde. Littré points out that the misspelling of par for part is a very old mistake; it seems to date back to the thirteenth century based on the examples he provides. De par le monde must come from de parte mundi, since de per was never used.]
Damer le pion à quelqu’un = To outwit some one.
Damer le pion à quelqu’un = To outsmart someone.
[From the game of draughts, dame = a king, pion = a man.]
[From the game of checkers, dame = a king, pion = a piece.]
Cet homme est son âme damnée = That man does his dirty work for
him, is his tool.
Cet homme est son âme damnée = That man does his dirty work for him; he’s his pawn.
[The man who does the dirty work knows he is damning his soul by
doing it, but does it all the same for the money or interest it
brings him.]
[The man who does the hard work knows he's ruining his soul by doing it, but he does it anyway for the money or benefits it gives him.]
Il n’y a pas de danger = No fear of that; Don’t you fret!
Il n’y a pas de danger = No worries about that; Don't stress!
Il ne sait sur quel pied danser = He does not know which way to
turn.
Il ne sait sur quel pied danser = He doesn’t know which way to go.
Il en dansera en l’air = He will swing for it.
Il en dansera en l’air = He will go for it.
Danser devant le buffet = To have nothing to eat.
Danser devant le buffet = To have nothing to eat.
Cet événement date de loin = That event happened long ago.
Cet événement date de loin = That event took place a long time ago.
A vous le dé = It is your turn to play (at dice). [See Avoir.]
A vous le dé = It's your turn to roll the dice. [See Avoir.]
Ne nous flattez pas le dé = Speak out without any reserve.
Ne nous flattez pas le dé = Speak your mind freely.
[Flatter le dé is to let the dice slide gently out of the box.]
[Flatter le dé means to let the dice slide softly out of the box.]
“Car madame à jaser tient le dé tout le jour” = Madame
engrosses the conversation all day long.
Car madame à jaser tient le dé tout le jour = Madame keeps the conversation going all day long.
[Molière, Tartufe, i. 1.]
[Molière, Tartufe, i. 1.]
Ils laissèrent tout à la débandade = They left all at sixes and
sevens, in confusion.
Ils laissèrent tout à la débandade = They left everything in chaos and confusion.
Fuir à la débandade = To fly helter-skelter.
Fuir à la débandade = To run away in a panic.
Le ministre lui a accordé un débit de tabac = The minister has
given him a license to sell tobacco.
Le ministre lui a accordé un débit de tabac = The minister has given him a license to sell tobacco.
[The sale of tobacco, snuff, gunpowder, and cards is a Government
monopoly in France.]
[The sale of tobacco, snuff, gunpowder, and playing cards is a government monopoly in France.]
*Mieux vaut goujat debout qu’empereur enterré = “A living dog
is better than a dead lion.”—Ecclesiastes ix. 4.
Mieux vaut goujat debout qu’empereur enterré = “A living dog is better than a dead lion.”—Ecclesiastes ix. 4.
[La Fontaine, La Matrone d’Éphèse. Goujat first
meant a soldier’s servant (as here), now it means a hodman, or
bricklayer’s apprentice, hence a vulgar, coarse fellow, a bungler.]
[La Fontaine, La Matrone d’Éphèse. Goujat originally referred to a soldier’s servant (like in this case), but now it means a laborer or bricklayer’s apprentice, which gives it a negative connotation, suggesting a rude, clumsy person, or a botcher.]
Cela ne tient pas debout = That won’t hold water.
Cela ne tient pas debout = That doesn’t make sense.
Il a écrit vingt pages sans débrider = He has written twenty
pages at a stretch.
Il a écrit vingt pages sans débrider = He wrote twenty pages nonstop.
Il ne faut pas se déchausser pour manger cela = It is not worth
while sitting down to eat that.
Il ne faut pas se déchausser pour manger cela = It's not worth taking off your shoes to eat that.
[The ancients were in the habit of reclining bare-foot at their
meals.]
[The ancients often reclined barefoot while eating.]
*Décoiffer (Découvrir) St. Pierre pour coiffer St. Paul =
To rob Peter to pay Paul.
*i lang="fr">Décoiffer (Découvrir) St. Pierre pour coiffer St. Paul =
To take money from one person to give to another.
On a découvert le pot aux roses = They have discovered the
mystery, the secret.
On a découvert le pot aux roses = They’ve uncovered the mystery, the secret.
Être à découvert = To be unprotected, undisguised.
Être à découvert = To be open, exposed.
Un décrochez-moi-ça (pop.) = A reach-me-down (second-hand
garment).
Un décrochez-moi-ça (pop.) = A hand-me-down (second-hand garment).
Elle est tout en dedans = She is not communicative.
Elle est tout en dedans = She's not very open.
On l’a mis dedans (fam.) = 1. They took him in (i.e. they
deceived him). 2. They ran him in (i.e. they put him in prison).
On l’a mis dedans (slang) = 1. They fooled him (i.e. they deceived him). 2. They arrested him (i.e. they put him in prison).
[The second meaning is more often translated: “On l’a coffré.”]
[The second meaning is more often translated: “They locked him up.”]
Comme un nigaud, j’ai donné dedans = Like a goose, I fell into
the trap.
Comme un nigaud, j’ai donné dedans = Like a fool, I fell into the trap.
Je ne sais si je suis dedans ou dehors = I do not know which
side to take; I do not know whether I have made a profit or not.
Je ne sais si je suis dedans ou dehors = I don't know which side to choose; I don't know if I've gained anything or not.
Il a le visage défait = He has a pale, worn-out look.
Il a le visage défait = He looks pale and exhausted.
Cette marchandise est d’une bonne défaite = These goods have a
quick sale.
Cette marchandise est d’une bonne défaite = These goods sell well.
Attaquez-le au défaut de la cuirasse = Attack him on his weak
point.
Attaquez-le au défaut de la cuirasse = Attack him at his weak spot.
Défense d’afficher = Stick no bills.
Défense d’entrer = No admittance.
Défense d’entrer sous peine d’amende = Trespassers will be
prosecuted.
Défense d’entrer sous peine d’amende = Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Être brave jusqu’au dégainer = To be brave until it come to
blows.
Être brave jusqu’au dégainer = To be brave until it comes to fighting.
[Dégainer = to unsheathe a sword.]
Dégainer = to draw a sword.
Ils auront à se dégourdir ou à déguerpir = They will either
have to wake up or to clear out.
Ils auront à se dégourdir ou à déguerpir = They will either have to wake up or get out.
Se dégourdir les jambes = To stretch one’s legs; To go out for
a run.
Se dégourdir les jambes = To stretch your legs; To go out for a jog.
Faire le dégoûté = To be fastidious, dainty.
Faire le dégoûté = To be picky, fussy.
Si j’avais la fortune de Rothschild, je serais content.—Vous
n’êtes pas dégoûté! = If I had Rothschild’s fortune I should be
satisfied.—I should rather think so!
Si j’avais la fortune de Rothschild, je serais content.—Vous n’êtes pas dégoûté! = If I had Rothschild’s fortune, I would be happy.—I would certainly think so!
Sauver le dehors = To save appearances.
Sauver le dehors = To save face.
Il n’a pas de dehors = His personal appearance is not
prepossessing; He looks nobody.
Il n’a pas de dehors = His appearance isn't appealing; he looks like nobody.
En flagrant délit = In the very act; red-handed.
En flagrant délit = Caught in the act; red-handed.
[Lat. In flagrante delicto.]
Déloger sans tambour ni trompette = To leave without beat of
drum.
Déloger sans tambour ni trompette = To leave quietly.
Avec lui c’est toujours demain = He always procrastinates.
Avec lui c’est toujours demain = He always puts things off.
*A beau demandeur beau refuseur = Diamond cut diamond.
A beau demandeur beau refuseur = Diamond cuts diamond.
[i.e. “If you are not ashamed to ask, I am not ashamed to
refuse.”]
[i.e. “If you’re not embarrassed to ask, I won’t be embarrassed to say no.”]
La langue lui démange = He longs to speak; He is dying to put
in a word.
La langue lui démange = He can't wait to speak; He's dying to chime in.
Cet homme n’a pas un denier vaillant = That man is not worth a
brass farthing.
Cet homme n’a pas un denier vaillant = That man isn't worth a dime.
Rendre compte à livres, sous et deniers = To give an account to
the uttermost farthing.
Rendre compte à livres, sous et deniers = To account for every penny.
J’ai les dents bien longues aujourd’hui = I am very hungry
to-day.
J’ai les dents bien longues aujourd’hui = I’m really hungry today.
Je suis sur les dents = I am done up.
Je suis sur les dents = I am on edge.
J’ai une dent contre lui = I have a grudge against him.
J’ai une dent contre lui = I hold a grudge against him.
[Also: Je lui garde un chien de ma chienne (pop.).]
[Also: I’m keeping a dog for my female dog (pop.).]
Autant prendre la lune avec les dents = You might just as well
try and scale the moon.
Autant prendre la lune avec les dents = You might as well try to take the moon with your teeth.
Manger du bout des dents = To eat without an appetite; To eat
daintily.
Manger du bout des dents = To eat without being hungry; To eat delicately.
[“Dente superbo.”—Horace, Satires, ii. 6, 87. Compare:
rire du bout des dents.]
[“Superb tooth.”—Horace, Satires, ii. 6, 87. Compare:
laughing through clenched teeth.]
Déchirer quelqu’un à belles dents = To tear a person’s
reputation to shreds.
Déchirer quelqu’un à belles dents = To completely ruin someone's reputation.
[Also more forcibly: Passer quelqu’un à tabac.]
[Also more forcibly: Beat someone up.]
*Les folles dépenses refroidissent la cuisine = Wilful waste
makes woeful want.
*Les folles dépenses refroidissent la cuisine = Wasting money leads to serious need.
Qu’il ne vous en déplaise = With your permission; By your
leave; If you’ll allow me; An it please you.
Qu’il ne vous en déplaise = If you don't mind; If you'll allow me; With your permission; If that’s alright with you.
[Sometimes shortened to: Ne vous déplaise, as in La
Fontaine, Fables, i. 1. The sense is often ironical, and
means, “whether you like it or not.”]
[Sometimes shortened to: Ne vous déplaise, as in La Fontaine, Fables, i. 1. The meaning is often ironic and translates to, “whether you like it or not.”]
Au dépourvu = Unprepared.
Courir comme un dératé = To go like a shot; To run like mad.
Courir comme un dératé = To go really fast; To run like crazy.
[Rate=spleen. The Greeks believed that men and animals ran
faster if their spleen was removed. “On sait que l’extirpation de
la rate se pratiquait chez les coureurs d’antiquité pour éviter
l’essoufflement.”—Couvreur, Les Merveilles du Corps
humain. Comp. Pliny, xxvi. 13.]
[Rate=spleen. The Greeks thought that men and animals could run faster if their spleen was taken out. “It is known that the removal of the spleen was performed on ancient runners to prevent shortness of breath.”—Roofer, Les Merveilles du Corps humain. Comp. Pliny the Elder, xxvi. 13.]
Une représentation du dernier vulgaire = A display vulgar to
the last degree; A very low show.
Une représentation du dernier vulgaire = A display that's completely vulgar; a very low-quality show.
[“Ce que vous dites là est du dernier bourgeois.”
Molière, Les Précieuses Ridicules, sc. 5.]
[“What you’re saying is so middle-class.”
Molière, The Ridiculous Priests, sc. 5.]
*Plus on désire une chose, plus elle se fait attendre = A
watched pot never boils.
*The more you desire something, the longer it takes to arrive = A watched pot never boils.
Cela laisse à désirer = There is room for improvement.
Cela laisse à désirer = There's room for improvement.
Je suis désorienté = 1. I am disconcerted. 2. I am out of my
element; I do not feel at home; I have lost my bearings.
Je suis désorienté = 1. I'm confused. 2. I feel out of place; I don't feel at home; I've lost my way.
Je n’ai pas desserré les dents = I never opened my lips.
Je n’ai pas desserré les dents = I never parted my lips.
Par dessus le marché = Into the bargain; Over and above.
Par dessus le marché = Additionally; On top of that.
Il n’y a rien au dessus de cela = That beats everything.
Il n’y a rien au dessus de cela = Nothing tops that.
Sens dessus dessous = All upside down; Topsy-turvy.
Sens dessus dessous = Everything turned upside down; Topsy-turvy.
Ils ont eu le dessus = They got the best of it.
Ils ont eu le dessus = They came out on top.
[Avoir le dessous = to get the worst of it.]
[Avoir le dessous = to get the short end of the stick.]
Prendre le dessus = To gain the upper hand.
Prendre le dessus = To take control.
J’en ai par dessus la tête = I am worried out of my life with
it.
J’en ai par dessus la tête = I'm totally fed up with it.
Il le fera par dessus l’épaule = He will never do it.
Il le fera par dessus l’épaule = He won't do it at all.
[Comp. “over the left,” in schoolboy slang.]
[Comp. “over the left,” in schoolboy slang.]
Il m’a regardé par dessus l’épaule = He looked at me
contemptuously.
Il m’a regardé par dessus l’épaule = He gave me a condescending look.
On n’échappe pas à sa destinée = He that is born to be hanged
will never be drowned.
On n’échappe pas à sa destinée = A person destined for hanging will never drown.
Il est dur à la détente = (fig.) He is close-fisted, a miser.
Il est dur à la détente = (fig.) He is tight with money, a penny-pincher.
Il a l’air d’un déterré = He looks as pale as death, as pale as
a ghost.
Il a l’air d’un déterré = He looks dead pale, like a ghost.
Faire un détour = To go a roundabout way.
Faire un détour = To take the long way around.
Il est sans détour = He is straightforward.
Il est sans détour = He is direct.
Il est criblé de dettes = He is head over ears in debt.
Il est criblé de dettes = He is buried in debt.
[For criblé one finds accablé, perdu, or abîmé.]
[For criblé one finds accablé, perdu, or abîmé.]
Des dettes criardes = Small debts to trades-people or workmen
(who are continually asking for their money).
Des dettes criardes = Small debts to tradespeople or workers (who are always asking for their money).
J’en ai fait mon deuil = I have resigned myself to the loss of
it.
J’en ai fait mon deuil = I’ve accepted the loss of it.
Maintenant, à nous deux! = Now I will settle with you; Now is
the time for a private explanation; Now to business.
Maintenant, à nous deux! = Now it's our turn! Now's the time for a one-on-one talk; Now it's time to get down to business.
*Deux s’amusent, trois s’embêtent (fam.) = Two’s company,
three’s none.
*Deux s’amusent, trois s’embêtent (fam.) = Two's a crowd, three's a hassle.
Tous les deux jours; De deux jours l’un = Every other day.
Tous les deux jours; De deux jours l’un = Every other day.
Piquer des deux = To spur on one’s horse; To rush forward.
Piquer des deux = To urge on one’s horse; To move ahead quickly.
*Les premiers vont devant = First come, first served.
*Les premiers vont devant = First come, first served.
Il faut prendre les devants = One must be first in the field.
Il faut prendre les devants = You have to take the initiative.
Allons au-devant de lui = Let us go and meet him.
Allons au-devant de lui = Let's go meet him.
Mathurin dévide le jars (pop.) = Jack Tar is spinning a yarn.
Mathurin dévide le jars (pop.) = Jack Tar is telling a story.
Il doit au tiers et au quart (à Jean et à Paul) = He owes
money to everybody.
Il doit au tiers et au quart (à Jean et à Paul) = He owes money to everyone.
Il doit plus d’argent qu’il n’est gros = He owes more money
than he can pay.
Il doit plus d’argent qu’il n’est gros = He owes more money than he can afford.
*Qui a terme ne doit rien = No one need pay before a debt is
due.
*Qui a terme ne doit rien = No one has to pay until a debt is due.
*Qui ne doit rien n’a rien à craindre = Out of debt, out of
danger.
Qui ne doit rien n’a rien à craindre = If you’re not in debt, you have nothing to fear.
*A chacun son dû = Give the devil his due; Every man is worth
his hire.
*A chacun son dû = Give the devil his due; Everyone deserves what they're worth.
*Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra = Do your duty, come
what may.
*Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra = Do your duty, no matter what happens.
Dussé-je en mourir = Were I to die for it.
Dussé-je en mourir = If I had to die for it.
Chose convenue, chose due = A promise must be kept.
Chose convenue, chose due = A promise should be kept.
J’ai jeté mon dévolu sur cela = I have fixed my choice upon
that.
J’ai jeté mon dévolu sur cela = I've set my sights on that.
Il n’est de dévotion que de jeune prêtre = Enthusiasm wears out
in time; New brooms sweep clean. (See Balai.)
Il n’est de dévotion que de jeune prêtre = Enthusiasm fades over time; New brooms sweep clean. (See Balai.)
C’est le diable qui bat sa femme et qui marie sa fille = It is
raining and the sun is shining at the same time.
C’est le diable qui bat sa femme et qui marie sa fille = It’s raining while the sun is shining at the same time.
Tirer le diable par la queue = To be always hard up for a
living.
Tirer le diable par la queue = To always be short on cash.
Faire le diable à quatre = To make a terrible noise; To play
all sorts of tricks. (See Quatre.)
Faire le diable à quatre = To cause a big commotion; To play all kinds of pranks. (See Quatre.)
Le diable chante la grand’messe = He hides his vices under the
cloak of religion.
Le diable chante la grand’messe = He conceals his wrongdoing beneath the guise of religion.
C’est le diable à confesser = It is terribly hard to do.
C’est le diable à confesser = It's really tough to confess.
Il a le diable au corps = He is never still, quite
unmanageable, very energetic.
Il a le diable au corps = He can't sit still, is pretty unruly, and has a lot of energy.
C’est un air de porter le diable en terre = It is an air to
conjure up the devil.
C’est un air de porter le diable en terre = It's a tune to summon the devil.
*Il n’est pas si diable qu’il est noir = The devil is not as
black as he is painted.
*Il n’est pas si diable qu’il est noir = The devil isn't as bad as he's made out to be.*
[Or: Le diable n’est pas si noir qu’il en a l’air.]
[Or: The devil isn’t as black as he seems.]
Se démener comme un diable dans un bénitier = To rush about
half-mad.
Se démener comme un diable dans un bénitier = To run around like a madman.
Loger le diable dans sa bourse = To be penniless. (See
Bourse.)
Loger le diable dans sa bourse = To be broke. (See
Bourse.)
[“Et logeant le diable en sa bourse,
C’est à dire, n’y logeant rien.”
La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 16.]
["And they carry the devil in their wallet,
Meaning, they have nothing in there.”
La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 16.
Quand le diable fut vieux il se fit ermite = The devil was
sick, the devil a monk would be, The devil was well, the devil a
monk was he!
Quand le diable fut vieux il se fit ermite = The devil was
sick, the devil would become a monk, The devil got better, the devil was a
monk!
Passata il punto, gabbato il santo = The peril past, the saint
mocked.
Passata la fase, beffato il santo = The danger passed, the saint mocked.
Also: The river past and God forgotten.]
Also: The river gone by and God forgotten.]
Aller au diable Vauvert (corrupted into au vert) = To go very
far away, a devil of a way; To disappear.
Aller au diable Vauvert (corrupted into au vert) = To go very far away, a hell of a distance; To vanish completely.
[The Carthusians having been given a large building at Gentilly
by St. Louis, coveted the abandoned mansion of Vauvert (= vallon
vert), which they could see from their windows. But to ask for it
without a valid reason was to court refusal. So they caused it to
be haunted by evil spirits, and the king was soon glad to get rid
of this uncanny possession. It is needless to add that the spirits
were exorcised directly the monks took possession. It stood in the
rue de Vauvert, beyond the Luxembourg, which was until lately
called the rue d’Enfer. As this was then a remote suburb of
Paris, the expression was equivalent to going to the end of the
town, and thus, very far off.]
[The Carthusians were given a large building in Gentilly by St. Louis, but they really wanted the abandoned mansion at Vauvert (which means vallon vert), visible from their windows. However, asking for it without a good reason would likely lead to refusal. So, they made it seem haunted by evil spirits, and soon the king was eager to get rid of this eerie property. It's worth mentioning that the spirits were driven out as soon as the monks took over. It was located on the rue de Vauvert, beyond the Luxembourg, which until recently was called the rue d’Enfer. Back then, this was a distant suburb of Paris, so the term meant going to the far edge of town, quite a distance away.]
C’est là le diable (or, le hic) = There is the rub.
C’est là le diable (or, le hic) = That’s the catch.
Elle a la beauté du diable = All her beauty consists in her
youth and freshness.
Elle a la beauté du diable = All her beauty comes from her youth and freshness.
Fait à la diable (i.e. à la manière du diable) = Done anyhow,
in a slipshod way.
Fait à la diable (i.e. à la manière du diable) = Done carelessly, in a haphazard way.
À Dieu ne plaise! = God forbid!
À Dieu ne plaise! = God forbid!
Jurer ses grands dieux = To affirm vehemently; To swear by all
that one holds sacred.
Jurer ses grands dieux = To strongly assert; To swear by everything one values deeply.
*Ce qui est différé n’est pas perdu = All is not lost that is
delayed.
*i lang="fr">What is delayed is not lost = All is not lost that is delayed.
[German: Aufgeschoben ist nicht aufgehoben.]
Deferred is not canceled.
Voyager par la diligence d’Adam = To travel on shanks’ nag.
Voyager par la diligence d’Adam = To travel on foot.
[German: Auf Schusters Rappen.]
C’est un franc dindon = He is a thorough goose.
C’est un franc dindon = He is a complete fool.
Être le dindon de la farce = To be the dupe.
Être le dindon de la farce = To be the sucker.
Pour tout dire = In a word.
C’est tout dire = That is saying all, enough.
C’est tout dire = That's putting it all out there, it’s enough.
[e.g. “Cet homme est-il honnête?”—“Je lui ai prêté 500 fr. il
y a deux ans et il n’a jamais voulu me rendre un sou. C’est tout
dire.”]
[e.g. “Is this man honest?”—“I lent him 500 francs two years ago and he never wanted to pay me back a penny. That's all there is to it.”]
Pour ainsi dire = So to speak.
Pour ainsi dire = In other words.
Je ne vous dis que ça = I cannot tell you any more, but it is a
fact.
Je ne vous dis que ça = I can’t say more, but it’s true.
[This can also be translated: “I can tell you!” as in “Je me suis
bien amusé, je ne vous dis que ça!”]
[This can also be translated: “I can tell you!” as in “I had a great time, I’ll just leave it at that!”]
Pour mieux dire = Or rather.
Je me le suis tenu pour dit = I took it for granted.
Je me le suis tenu pour dit = I accepted it as a given.
Soit dit entre nous = Quite between ourselves.
Soit dit entre nous = Just between us.
Cela est bon à dire, mais... = That is all very well for a
speech, but...; That is all very fine, but...
Cela est bon à dire, mais... = That sounds great in theory, but...; That sounds nice, but...
Il est sensible au qu’en dira-t-on = He is sensitive to public
opinion; He is easily influenced by what people say about him, by
what Mrs. Grundy will say.
Il est sensible au qu’en dira-t-on = He is sensitive to public opinion; He is easily influenced by what people say about him, by what Mrs. Grundy will say.
Il était dit que j’arriverais trop tard = The Fates had willed
that I should come too late.
Il était dit que j’arriverais trop tard = The Fates had decided that I would arrive too late.
Quand je vous le disais! (or, Je vous l’avais bien dit!) = I
told you so!
Quand je vous le disais! (or, Je vous l’avais bien dit!) = I told you so!
Ah! vous m’en direz tant! = 1. Well, that alters the case! 2.
Ah! now I understand, why did you not say so at first? 3. There’s
no going against such a reason as that.
Ah! vous m’en direz tant! = 1. Well, that changes everything! 2. Ah! now I get it, why didn't you say that from the start? 3. There's no arguing with a reason like that.
[This expression has almost as many meanings as n’est-ce pas.
The above are a few of them. It is often used ironically.]
[This expression has almost as many meanings as n’est-ce pas. The ones mentioned above are just a few of them. It's often used in an ironic way.]
A qui le dites-vous? = Am I not perfectly aware of it? Don’t I
know it?
A qui le dites-vous? = Am I not fully aware of it? Don’t I know it?
Au dire de tout le monde = According to what everybody says;
According to the general opinion.
Au dire de tout le monde = According to what everyone says; According to the general opinion.
Je l’irai dire à Rome = It is so unlikely, that if it happens I
will undertake a pilgrimage to Rome; I’ll eat my hat.
Je l’irai dire à Rome = It's so unlikely that if it actually happens, I'll make a pilgrimage to Rome; I'll eat my hat.
[Comp. Racine, Épigramme III. Sur Andromaque.]
[Comp. Racine, Epigram III. On Andromache.]
Cela ne me dit rien = That has no effect upon me; I have no
desire for it.
Cela ne me dit rien = That doesn't mean anything to me; I'm not interested in it.
On nous donna du vin à discrétion = They gave us as much wine
as we wanted (wine ad libitum).
On nous donna du vin à discrétion = They gave us unlimited wine (wine ad libitum).
La distance grandit tout prestige =
“’Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,
And robes the mountain in its azure hue.”
[Campbell, Pleasures of Hope, i. 7.]
Distance enhances all prestige =
“Distance adds magic to what we see,
And dresses the mountain in its blue color.”
[Campbell, Pleasures of Hope, i. 7.]
Je lui ai donné sur les doigts = I rapped his knuckles (lit.
and fig.).
Je lui ai donné sur les doigts = I tapped his fingers (lit. and fig.).
Il y met les quatre doigts et le pouce = (lit.) He eats
greedily; (fig.) He acts clumsily.
Il y met les quatre doigts et le pouce = (lit.) He eats with gusto; (fig.) He behaves awkwardly.
Ils sont comme les deux doigts de la main = They are hand and
glove together, inseparable.
Ils sont comme les deux doigts de la main = They go together like two peas in a pod, inseparable.
Vous avez mis le doigt dessus = You have hit the right nail on
the head; You have touched the spot.
Vous avez mis le doigt dessus = You’ve hit the nail on the head; You’ve touched the spot.
Mon petit doigt me l’a dit = A little bird told me so.
Mon petit doigt me l’a dit = A little bird told me.
Il était à deux doigts de la mort = He was at death’s door,
within an ace of death.
Il était à deux doigts de la mort = He was at death’s door, just a hair's breadth away from dying.
Se fourrer le doigt dans l’œil jusqu’au coude (pop.) = To
deceive oneself most blindly; To put one’s foot in it.
Se fourrer le doigt dans l’œil jusqu’au coude (pop.) = To fool oneself completely; To make a serious mistake.
Savoir sur le bout du doigt = To know perfectly; To have at
one’s finger-ends.
Savoir sur le bout du doigt = To know thoroughly; To have down pat.
Il lui obéit au doigt et à l’œil = He is at his beck and
call.
Il lui obéit au doigt et à l’œil = He is completely at his command.
Un doigt de vin (fam.) = A toothful of wine.
Un doigt de vin (fam.) = A sip of wine.
C’est dommage! = What a pity.
Ils lui en ont donné tout du long de l’aune = They beat him
black and blue.
Ils lui en ont donné tout du long de l’aune = They beat him up badly.
Je vous le donne en dix = I bet you ten to one you will not
guess it.
Je vous le donne en dix = I bet you ten to one you won't guess it.
*Qui donne tôt donne deux fois = He gives twice who gives in a
trice.
*Qui donne tôt donne deux fois = He who gives early gives twice.
[“Bis dat qui celeriter dat.”—Publius Syrus. Cito,
which is now used instead of celeriter, appears to be a later
alteration.]
[“He gives twice who gives quickly.”—Publius Syrus. Quickly,
which is now used instead of quickly, appears to be a later
alteration.]
Le régiment a donné = The regiment has engaged.
Le régiment a donné = The regiment has engaged.
On ne lui donnerait pas quarante ans = You would not take him
for forty.
On ne lui donnerait pas quarante ans = You wouldn’t think he’s forty.
On t’en donnera des tabliers propres pour les salir = You ask
too much.
On t’en donnera des tabliers propres pour les salir = You’re asking for too much.
J’ai passé quinze jours à Paris et je m’en suis donné = I spent
a fortnight in Paris, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
J’ai passé quinze jours à Paris et je m’en suis donné = I spent two weeks in Paris, and I really enjoyed myself.
[This idiom implies movement, excitement, &c.]
[This idiom suggests motion, excitement, etc.]
Dormir sur les deux oreilles = (lit.) To sleep soundly; (fig.)
To have no cause for anxiety.
Dormir sur les deux oreilles = (lit.) To sleep soundly; (fig.) To have no worries.
Dormir comme une marmotte, comme un sabot, comme une souche,
les (or, à) poings fermés = To sleep like a top, like a log.
Dormir comme une marmotte, comme un sabot, comme une souche, les (or, à) poings fermés = To sleep like a top, like a log.
Dormir la grasse matinée = To lie late in bed.
Dormir la grasse matinée = To sleep in.
Il nous a dit des contes à dormir debout = He told us tedious,
nonsensical tales, old wives’ tales.
Il nous a dit des contes à dormir debout = He told us boring, ridiculous stories, like old wives' tales.
[“Γραῶν ὕθλος.”—Plato, Rep. 350 E.
["Writing is a form of."—Plato, Rep. 350 E.]
“Aniles fabellae.”—Cicero.]
*Qui dort dîne = Sleeping is as good as eating.
*Qui dort dîne = Sleeping is just as good as eating.
*Qui a renommée de se lever matin peut dormir jusqu’à midi = A
good reputation covers a multitude of sins.
*Qui a renommée de se lever matin peut dormir jusqu’à midi = A good reputation covers a multitude of sins.
Dormir en gendarme = To sleep with one eye open.
Dormir en gendarme = To sleep with one eye open.
*Il ne se laisse pas manger la laine sur le dos = He is not the
man to let himself be made a fool of; He will not allow people to
take the food out of his mouth; He will not tamely submit to any
imposition.
*Il ne se laisse pas manger la laine sur le dos = He’s not the type to let others take advantage of him; He won’t let anyone take food from his plate; He won’t just accept any unfair treatment.
Le juge les a renvoyés dos à dos = The judge nonsuited them
both.
Le juge les a renvoyés dos à dos = The judge dismissed them both.
Il fait le gros dos = He gives himself airs.
Il fait le gros dos = He acts all superior.
En dos d’âne = Sloping on both sides, sharp-ridged.
En dos d’âne = Sloping on both sides, with a sharp ridge.
Je me suis mis le juge à dos = I have made an enemy of the
judge.
Je me suis mis le juge à dos = I've made the judge my enemy.
J’en ai plein le dos (pop.) = I am sick and tired of it.
J’en ai plein le dos (pop.) = I’m fed up with it.
Il a bon dos = His back is broad enough to stand a good deal.
Il a bon dos = He can take a lot without complaining.
C’est un double coquin = He is a thorough rascal.
C’est un double coquin = He's a complete rogue.
C’est un homme double = He is a double-faced man.
C’est un homme double = He is a two-faced man.
*Plus fait douceur que violence = Kindness does more than
harshness; More flies are caught with honey than with vinegar.
*Plus fait douceur que violence = Kindness works better than harshness; You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.*
[La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 3.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 3.]
Il faudra le prendre en douceur = You must tackle him gently.
Il faudra le prendre en douceur = You need to approach him gently.
Cela ne fait aucun doute = There is no doubt about it.
Cela ne fait aucun doute = There's no doubt about it.
Dans le doute abstiens-toi = When in doubt, do nothing.
Dans le doute abstiens-toi = When in doubt, don't act.
Je ne me doutais de rien = I did not suspect anything.
Je ne me doutais de rien = I had no idea.
Je m’en doutais = I thought so.
Je m’en doutais = I figured as much.
C’est un poète comme on en trouve à la douzaine = He is a very
minor poet.
C’est un poète comme on en trouve à la douzaine = He is a pretty insignificant poet.
Tenir la dragée haute à quelqu’un = To make a person pay well
(or, wait a long time) for what he desires.
Tenir la dragée haute à quelqu’un = To make someone pay a lot
(or, wait a long time) for what they want.
Cette femme est un vrai dragon = 1. That woman is a virago. 2.
That woman is very masculine (in appearance and manners).
Cette femme est un vrai dragon = 1. That woman is a force to be reckoned with. 2. That woman is very masculine (in appearance and mannerisms).
Je suis dans de beaux draps = I am in a fine mess, in a pretty
pickle.
Je suis dans de beaux draps = I'm in a real mess, in a tricky situation.
Il voudrait avoir le drap et l’argent = He would like to have
his cake and eat it too.
Il voudrait avoir le drap et l’argent = He wants to have it both ways.
Elle a déjà un fils sous les drapeaux = She already has a son
in the army.
Elle a déjà un fils sous les drapeaux = She already has a son in the military.
Remettez ceci à qui de droit = Give this to the proper person,
to the person who has a right to it.
Remettez ceci à qui de droit = Hand this over to the right person, the one who is entitled to it.
Il fera droit à votre demande = He will accede to your request.
Il fera droit à votre demande = He will agree to your request.
Il fait son droit = He is studying for the bar.
Il fait son droit = He is studying law.
C’est un drôle de corps = He is a queer fish.
C’est un drôle de corps = He is an odd character.
C’est un mauvais drôle = He is a downright scamp.
C’est un mauvais drôle = He is a total troublemaker.
Frapper fort et dru = To strike with might and main.
Frapper fort et dru = To hit hard and strong.
E.
*Il n’est pire eau que l’eau qui dort = Still waters run deep.
*Il n’est pire eau que l’eau qui dort = Still waters run deep.*
*C’est porter de l’eau à la mer (or, rivière) = It is
carrying coals to Newcastle.
*C’est porter de l’eau à la mer (or, rivière) = It’s like carrying coals to Newcastle.
[The Greek equivalent was Γλαῦκας εἰς Αθήνας = Owls to
Athens; the Hebrew “Enchantments to Egypt,” and the Late Latin
“Indulgences to Rome.”]
[The Greek equivalent was Γλαῦκας εἰς Αθήνας = Owls to Athens; the Hebrew “Enchantments to Egypt,” and the Late Latin “Indulgences to Rome.”]
Cet homme aime à pêcher en eau trouble = That man likes fishing
in troubled waters.
Cet homme aime à pêcher en eau trouble = That man enjoys fishing in murky waters.
*Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d’eau = They are as like
as two peas.
*Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d’eau = They look exactly alike.*
Tout va à vau l’eau = All is going to wreck and ruin.
Tout va à vau l’eau = Everything is falling apart.
[A vau l’eau = With the current.]
[A vau l’eau = With the current.]
Pendant l’inondation le toit de cette maison était à fleur
d’eau = During the flood the top of that house was on a level
with the water.
Pendant l’inondation le toit de cette maison était à fleur
d’eau = During the flood, the roof of that house was at water level.
C’est un donneur d’eau bénite de cour = He makes empty promises.
C’est un donneur d’eau bénite de cour = He makes empty promises.
Les eaux sont basses chez lui = He is hard up; He is in low
water.
Les eaux sont basses chez lui = He is struggling financially; He is in a tough spot.
C’est donner un coup d’épée dans l’eau = It is useless trouble,
an unsuccessful attempt.
C’est donner un coup d’épée dans l’eau = It's a pointless effort, an attempt that goes nowhere.
[“Ἐν ὕδατι γράφειν.”—Plato, Phaedrus, 276
C.]
"Writing in water." —Plato, Phaedrus, 276 C.
Faire venir l’eau au moulin = To bring grist to the mill.
Faire venir l’eau au moulin = To bring water to the mill.
Faire venir l’eau à la bouche = To make one’s mouth water.
Faire venir l’eau à la bouche = To make someone crave something delicious.
*L’eau va toujours au moulin = Property always goes to those
who have some already; Money makes money; Nothing succeeds like
success.
*L’eau va toujours au moulin = Wealth flows to those who already have it; Money generates more money; Nothing breeds success like success.
D’ici là il passera bien de l’eau sous le pont = It will be a
long time before that happens.
D’ici là il passera bien de l’eau sous le pont = It’s going to be a while before that happens.
Mettre de l’eau dans son vin = (fig.) To come down a peg.
Mettre de l’eau dans son vin = (fig.) To lower one's expectations.
*L’eau qui tombe goutte à goutte cave la pierre = Dropping
water will wear away a stone.
*L’eau qui tombe goutte à goutte cave la pierre = Dripping water will erode a stone.
[Ovid begins a line with “Gutta cavat lapidem” an abbreviation of
the proverb “Gutta cavat lapidem non vi sed saepe cadendo.”
[Ovid begins a line with “Gutta cavat lapidem,” a shortened version of the saying “Gutta cavat lapidem non vi sed saepe cadendo.”]
“Stillicidi casus lapidem cavat.”—Lucretius, i. 313.]
“Dripping water wears away a stone.”—Lucretius, i. 313.]
*Une goutte d’eau suffit pour faire déborder un vase plein =
The last straw breaks the camel’s back.
*Une goutte d’eau suffit pour faire déborder un vase plein = The last straw breaks the camel’s back.
Nager entre deux eaux = (lit.) To swim under water; (fig.) To
run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.
Nager entre deux eaux = (lit.) To swim underwater; (fig.) To play both sides.
Faire eau (of boats) = To spring a leak.
Faire eau (of boats) = To develop a leak.
Faire de l’eau (of boats) = To take in fresh water.
Faire de l’eau (of boats) = To take in fresh water.
Laissez couler l’eau = Do not be anxious about what cannot be
helped; Don’t cry over spilt milk.
Laissez couler l’eau = Don't worry about what can't be changed; Don’t cry over spilled milk.
Cela s’en est allé en eau de boudin = That collapsed utterly,
came to nothing.
Cela s’en est allé en eau de boudin = That completely fell apart, turned into nothing.
[The more correct form is s’en aller en aune de boudin, alluding
to Perrault’s tale of Les Souhaits Ridicules.]
[The more correct form is s’en aller en aune de boudin, referring to Perrault’s story Les Souhaits Ridicules.]
Ce mot m’est échappé = That word escaped me inadvertently
(i.e., I did not mean to say it).
Ce mot m’est échappé = That word slipped out without me meaning to say it
(i.e., I didn’t intend to say it).
Ce mot m’a échappé = I have forgotten that word.
This word slipped my mind = I have forgotten that word.
Le cas échéant = Should such a thing happen; If such should be
the case.
Le cas échéant = If that happens; If that is the case.
Faire la courte échelle à quelqu’un = To allow some one to
climb on one’s shoulders to scale a height; To give a lift to
some one.
Faire la courte échelle à quelqu’un = To help someone climb on your shoulders to reach a height; To give someone a boost.
Après lui il faut tirer l’échelle = One cannot do better than
he has (or, does); He beats the record, takes the cake.
Après lui il faut tirer l’échelle = One cannot do better than he has (or, does); He beats the record, takes the cake.
Faire l’école buissonnière = To play truant.
Faire l’école buissonnière = To skip school.
Faire une école = To make a blunder.
Faire une école = To make a mistake.
Faire école = To found (or, to be a leader of) a school of
art, literature, music, &c.
Faire école = To establish (or, to lead) a school of art, literature, music, etc.
Faire un tour d’écolier = To play a schoolboy trick.
Faire un tour d’écolier = To pull a schoolboy prank.
Faire une faute d’écolier = To make a foolish mistake.
Faire une faute d’écolier = To make a silly mistake.
*Il n’y a pas de petites économies = A penny saved is a penny
earned; Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of
themselves.
*Il n’y a pas de petites économies = A penny saved is a penny earned; Take care of the small amounts, and the larger sums will take care of themselves.
[Also: Les petites économies font les bonnes maisons.]
Small savings create good homes.
*Jamais beau parler n’écorcha la langue = Fair words never did
harm; Civility costs nothing.
*Jamais beau parler n’écorcha la langue = Kind words never hurt; Courtesy is free.
Il écorche le français = He murders French.
Il écorche le français = He butchers French.
Il écorche l’anguille par la queue = He sets (goes) the wrong
way to work.
Il écorche l’anguille par la queue = He takes the wrong route to work.
Il fait un vent à écorner (or, décorner) un bœuf = The
wind is enough to blow one’s head off.
Il fait un vent à écorner (or, décorner) un bœuf = The wind is so strong it could knock your head off.
Chacun a payé son écot = Each paid for himself.
Chacun a payé son écot = Everyone paid for themselves.
Comme cet homme s’écoute! = What care that man takes of himself!
Comme cet homme s’écoute! = How much that man pays attention to himself!
C’est un écoute s’il pleut = He is a man who cannot be relied
upon.
C’est un écoute s’il pleut = He is someone you can't count on.
[Mills were so called which depended for their motive-power on
rain-water and consequently were continually stopping.]
[Mills were called that because they relied on rainwater for power and therefore often came to a halt.]
Il n’écoute que d’une oreille = He pays very little attention.
Il n’écoute que d’une oreille = He only half-listens.
Écrire de bonne encre à quelqu’un = To write to some one in
strong terms.
Écrire de bonne encre à quelqu’un = To write to someone in strong terms.
Être propre comme une écuelle de chat = To be very dirty.
Être propre comme une écuelle de chat = To be extremely dirty.
*Fermer l’écurie quand les chevaux sont dehors = To lock the
stable door when the steed is stolen.
*Fermer l’écurie quand les chevaux sont dehors = To lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen.
C’est un cheval à l’écurie = It is a white elephant.
C’est un cheval à l’écurie = It's a white elephant.
Cela fait de l’effet = That looks well; That is showy; That
makes a fine display.
Cela fait de l’effet = That looks good; That's flashy; That makes a great display.
Cela me fait cet effet = That seems so to me.
Cela me fait cet effet = That feels that way to me.
Cela m’est égal = It is all the same to me; I don’t care.
Cela m’est égal = It's whatever to me; I don't care.
Tout lui est égal = Everything is the same to him.
Tout lui est égal = Everything is the same to him.
D’égal à égal = 1. Between equals. 2. On equal terms.
D’égal à égal = 1. Between equals. 2. On equal terms.
C’est égal, je me suis joliment amusé = Anyhow (All the same),
I enjoyed myself very much.
Anyhow (All the same), I had a great time.
*Près de l’église, loin de Dieu = The nearer the church, the
farther from God.
*Près de l’église, loin de Dieu = The closer you are to the church, the farther you are from God.
Gueux comme un rat d’église = As poor as a church mouse.
Gueux comme un rat d’église = As broke as a church mouse.
Prendre son élan = To take one’s spring (before a jump).
Prendre son élan = To gather one's momentum (before a jump).
Ne faites donc pas tant d’embarras = Do not make such a fuss.
Ne faites donc pas tant d’embarras = Don't make such a big deal.
Ce n’est pas l’embarras = There is no great difficulty in it;
After all; For the matter of that.
Ce n’est pas l’embarras = It's not a big deal;
After all; For that matter.
Elle n’a que l’embarras du choix = She has only too much to
choose from.
Elle n’a que l’embarras du choix = She has too many options to choose from.
La loi passa d’emblée = The law passed straight off, by
acclamation.
La loi passa d’emblée = The law was passed right away, by unanimous approval.
Il a été reçu d’emblée = He passed his examination the first
time he went up, without any difficulty.
Il a été reçu d’emblée = He passed his exam on the first try, without any trouble.
*Qui trop embrasse mal étreint = Grasp all, lose all.
*Qui trop embrasse mal étreint = Grab too much, lose everything.
[“Qui totum vult totum perdit.”—Publius Syrus.
[“Those who want it all lose it all.”—Publius Syrus.
Qui tout convoite tout perd.
L’avarice rompt le sac.
Too much is stark naught.
“Oh, the little more, and how much it is!
And the little less, and what worlds away!”
Browning, Dramatic Lyrics,‘By the Fireside,’ 39.]
Those who want everything end up losing everything.
Greed leads to ruin.
Having too much amounts to nothing.
“Oh, just a little more, and it seems like such a big deal!
And just a little less, and it feels so far away!”
Browning, Dramatic Lyrics,‘By the Fireside,’ 39.]
Il a employé le vert et le sec pour y parvenir = He left no
stone unturned to secure success.
Il a employé le vert et le sec pour y parvenir = He did everything possible to ensure success.
S’emporter comme une soupe au lait = To be very hasty-tempered.
S’emporter comme une soupe au lait = To have a really short fuse.
Ne faites pas attention à ses menaces, autant en emporte le
vent = Pay no attention to his threats, they are as light as air.
Ne faites pas attention à ses menaces, autant en emporte le vent = Don't pay attention to his threats, they're just empty words.
Emporter ses cliques et ses claques = To clear off, bag and
baggage.
Emporter ses cliques et ses claques = To leave, with all your stuff.
C’est une réponse à l’emporte-pièce = It is a very cutting
answer, and to the point.
C’est une réponse à l’emporte-pièce = It is a sharp, direct answer.
[À l’emporte-pièce = Cut out by a machine-punch.]
[À l’emporte-pièce = Cut out by a machine punch.]
Cela m’emporte la bouche = It burns my mouth (i.e. it is too
highly spiced).
Cela m’emporte la bouche = It burns my mouth (i.e. it is too spicy).
Il fait l’empressé auprès de sa vieille tante = He pays marked
attention to his old aunt.
Il fait l’empressé auprès de sa vieille tante = He shows a lot of attention to his elderly aunt.
Elle a un air emprunté = She looks awkward, embarrassed,
affected.
Elle a un air emprunté = She looks out of place, uncomfortable, fake.
Ne choisit pas qui emprunte = Beggars cannot be choosers.
Ne choisit pas qui emprunte = You can't be picky if you’re asking for help.
[“Qui empruncte ne choisist mie.”
Maistre Pierre Pathelin, 79.]
[“He who borrows doesn't choose.”
Master Pierre Pathelin, 79.]
Casser le nez à quelqu’un à coups d’encensoir = To flatter some
one fulsomely to his face. (See Casser.)
Casser le nez à quelqu’un à coups d’encensoir = To excessively compliment someone to their face. (See Casser.)
Payer la folle enchère = To pay for one’s rashness, for one’s
folly.
Payer la folle enchère = To pay for one’s recklessness, for one’s foolishness.
[When a man bids at an auction and does not pay for what he has
bought, the lot is put up again and he has to pay the difference
(if any) between the price it is then sold at and the price he bid
for it.]
[When a man places a bid at an auction and fails to pay for what he won, the item is resold, and he is responsible for covering the difference (if any) between the current selling price and his original bid.]
Enchère au rabais = A Dutch auction.
Enchère au rabais = A Dutch auction.
Je suis entre l’enclume et le marteau = I am in a dilemma; I am
between the devil and the deep sea.
Je suis entre l’enclume et le marteau = I'm in a tough spot; I'm between a rock and a hard place.
*Il frappe toujours sur la même enclume = He is always harping
on the same string.
*Il frappe toujours sur la même enclume = He is always going on about the same thing.
*A dure enclume marteau de plume = The strokes of adversity
find the wise man unmoved.
*A dure enclume marteau de plume = The blows of life find the wise man unfazed.
[“Impavidum ferient ruinae.”
Horace, Odes, iii. 3.]
Frapper au bon endroit = To touch the right spring; To hit the
right nail on the head; To hit the mark; To touch the spot.
Frapper au bon endroit = To hit the right note; To hit the nail on the head; To get it right; To hit the target.
Des gens endimanchés = Folk rigged out in their Sunday best.
Des gens endimanchés = People dressed up in their Sunday best.
Des enfants perdus (military) = A forlorn hope.
Des enfants perdus (military) = A lost cause.
Un enfant terrible = A child who tells awkward truths.
Un enfant terrible = A kid who speaks uncomfortable truths.
[Gavarni, the caricaturist, published a series of sketches in 1865
under the title of “Les Enfants Terribles.”]
[Gavarni, the caricaturist, published a series of sketches in 1865 under the title of “Les Enfants Terribles.”]
Elle a deux enfants du premier lit = She has two children by
her first husband.
Elle a deux enfants du premier lit = She has two children from her first marriage.
C’est un enfant de la balle = He is his father’s son; He
follows the profession of his father. (See Balle.)
C’est un enfant de la balle = He is his father’s child; He follows in his father's footsteps. (See Balle.)
C’est bien l’enfant de sa mère = He is the very image of his
mother.
C’est bien l’enfant de sa mère = He looks just like his mother.
Faire l’enfant = To behave childishly (on purpose).
Faire l’enfant = To act like a child (intentionally).
Je ne suis pas ici pour enfiler des perles = I am not here to
waste my time.
Je ne suis pas ici pour enfiler des perles = I'm not here to waste my time.
Cela ne s’enfile pas comme des perles = That is by no means an
easy matter.
Cela ne s’enfile pas comme des perles = That's definitely not an easy thing to do.
C’est un enfonceur de portes ouvertes = 1. He is a braggart. 2.
He takes a deal of trouble to solve a difficulty which does not
exist.
C’est un enfonceur de portes ouvertes = 1. He is a show-off. 2. He goes to great lengths to address a problem that isn’t really there.
Être pris dans l’engrenage = To be caught in the toils.
Être pris dans l’engrenage = To be caught in the trap.
On enleva les journaux comme du pain = The papers sold like hot
rolls, like wild-fire.
On enleva les journaux comme du pain = The papers flew off the shelves like hot rolls, like wildfire.
Il n’y a pas de petit ennemi = Every enemy is to be feared.
Il n’y a pas de petit ennemi = Every enemy should be taken seriously.
[“Croire qu’un faible ennemi ne peut pas nuire, c’est croire
qu’une étincelle ne peut pas causer un incendie.” Sa’adi.]
[“To believe that a weak enemy can’t cause harm is to believe that a spark can’t start a fire.” Sa’adi.]
Nous sommes logés à la même enseigne = We are both in the same
predicament, in the same boat.
Nous sommes logés à la même enseigne = We're both in the same situation, in the same boat.
[“ἐν γὰρ τῷ αὐτῷ ἐσμεν σκάμματι.”
St. Clement’s Epistle to the Church of Corinth.]
[“For we are all in the same boat.”
St. Clement’s Epistle to the Church of Corinth.]
À telles enseignes = In proof whereof; So much so that.
À telles enseignes = In proof of this; To such an extent that.
Je ne le croirai qu’à bonnes enseignes = I shall only believe
it upon good authority.
Je ne le croirai qu’à bonnes enseignes = I will only believe it if it comes from a reliable source.
Il entend à demi mot = He can take a hint.
Il entend à demi mot = He can take a hint.
*À bon entendeur, salut = A word to the wise is enough; Verbum
sap.
*À bon entendeur, salut = A word to the wise is enough; Verbum
sap.
[“A bon entendeur ne fault qu’une parole.”—Rabelais,
Pantagruel, v. 7.]
[“A wise person only needs one word.”—Rabelais, Pantagruel, v. 7.]
Il n’entend pas de cette oreille = (fig.) He will listen to
nothing on that subject.
Il n’entend pas de cette oreille = (fig.) He won't hear anything on that subject.
Vous ne vous y entendez pas = You do not know how to set about
it, how to manage it.
Vous ne vous y entendez pas = You don't know how to handle it, how to deal with it.
Il n’entend pas raillerie là-dessus = 1. You must not speak
lightly of that before him. 2. He will not be trifled with on
that point.
Il n’entend pas raillerie là-dessus = 1. You shouldn't make jokes about that in front of him. 2. He won't tolerate any nonsense on that matter.
Entendre la raillerie = To know how to be witty; To be a good
hand at chaff.
Entendre la raillerie = To know how to be witty; To be good at banter.
Entendre raillerie = Not to be offended at a joke; To stand
chaff well.
Entendre raillerie = Not to take offense at a joke; To handle teasing well.
Il n’y entend pas malice = 1. He does not mean any harm; He
means no more than he says. 2. He takes it innocently.
Il n’y entend pas malice = 1. He doesn't mean any harm; he means no more than he says. 2. He takes it innocently.
Faire l’entendu = To put on a knowing look.
Faire l’entendu = To give a knowing look.
*Il n’est pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre = None
so deaf as those who will not hear.
Il n’est pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre = None
so deaf as those who refuse to listen.
Un mot à double entente = A word (or, remark) with two
meanings.
Un mot à double entente = A word (or, comment) that has two meanings.
*Mieux vaut goujat debout qu’empereur enterré = A living dog is
better than a dead lion.
*Mieux vaut goujat debout qu’empereur enterré = It's better to be a foolish person alive than an emperor who's buried.
J’ai bien envie d’aller à Paris avec vous = I have a good mind
to go to Paris with you.
J’ai bien envie d’aller à Paris avec vous = I'm really wanting to go to Paris with you.
Il ne porte envie à personne = He envies no one.
Il ne porte envie à personne = He doesn't envy anyone.
Il ne fait envie à personne = No one envies him.
Il ne fait envie à personne = Nobody envies him.
Si l’envie m’en prend = If I feel inclined to do it.
Si l’envie m’en prend = If I feel like doing it.
Je l’ai envoyé promener (or, fam., paître) = I sent him about
his business.
Je l’ai envoyé promener (or, fam., paître) = I told him to get lost.
C’est son épée de chevet = 1. That is his trusty counsellor. 2.
That is what he is always talking about.
C’est son épée de chevet = 1. That’s his reliable advisor. 2. That’s what he always brings up.
[Literally, a sword that hung at the head of a bed to guard one
from nocturnal attacks.
[Literally, a sword that hung at the head of a bed to protect someone from nighttime attacks.]
“Voilà leur épée de chevet, de l’argent.”—Molière,
L’Avare, iii. 5.]
“Here is their everyday sword, made of silver.” —Molière,
L’Avare, iii. 5.]
Passer au fil de l’épée = To put to the sword.
Passer au fil de l’épée = To kill with a sword.
Qui porte épée porte paix = One sword keeps another in its
scabbard; Si vis pacem, para bellum.
Qui porte épée porte paix = One sword keeps another in its scabbard; Si vis pacem, para bellum.
*Mariage d’épervier, la femelle vaut mieux que le mâle = The
grey mare is the better horse.
*Mariage d’épervier, la femelle vaut mieux que le mâle = The grey mare is the better horse.*
Tirer une épine du pied à quelqu’un = To take a thorn out of
some one’s side; To get some one over a difficulty.
Tirer une épine du pied à quelqu’un = To take a thorn out of someone’s side; To help someone get past a difficulty.
Il est toujours tiré à quatre épingles = He always looks as if
he came out of a band-box.
Il est toujours tiré à quatre épingles = He always looks perfectly put together.
J’ai tiré mon épingle du jeu = I have saved my stake; I got
well out of a bad job.
J’ai tiré mon épingle du jeu = I have come out on top; I managed to get away from a bad situation.
[Une locution qui vient d’un jeu de petites filles: elles mettent
des épingles dans un rond, et, avec une balle qui, lancée contre
le mur, revient vers le rond, elles essayent d’en faire sortir les
épingles: quand on fait sortir sa mise, on dit qu’on retire son
épingle du jeu.]
[An expression that comes from a game played by little girls: they place pins in a circle, and using a ball that, thrown against the wall, comes back toward the circle, they try to knock the pins out: when someone knocks out their pins, they say they’re taking their pin out of the game.]
Une épingle par jour fait huit sous par an = A pin a day is a
groat a year.
Une épingle par jour fait huit sous par an = A pin a day earns eight cents a year.
Passons l’éponge là-dessus = Let us say no more about it; Let
us forget all about it; Let bygones be bygones.
Passons l’éponge là-dessus = Let's drop it; Let's forget it; Let's leave the past in the past.
C’est un ami à toute épreuve = He is a well-tried, faithful,
trusty friend.
C’est un ami à toute épreuve = He is a reliable, loyal, trustworthy friend.
L’édition est épuisée = The book is out of print.
L’édition est épuisée = The book is no longer available.
Oh! la belle équipée! = Here’s a pretty kettle of fish!
Oh! la belle équipée! = Here’s a real mess!
Se dresser sur ses ergots = To stand on one’s dignity.
Se dresser sur ses ergots = To stand on one’s dignity.
Je suis bien dans son esprit = He has a good opinion of me.
Je suis bien dans son esprit = He thinks highly of me.
Où avez-vous donc l’esprit? = What are you thinking of?
Où avez-vous donc l’esprit? = What’s on your mind?
Il a l’esprit aux talons = He shines at the wrong end; He is
not witty.
Il a l’esprit aux talons = He shines at the wrong end; He isn't clever.
Il a l’esprit de l’escalier = He never thinks of the right
answer at the proper moment.
Il a l’esprit de l’escalier = He never comes up with the right answer at the right time.
[i.e. He thinks of the right answer going down the staircase,
after leaving the room.]
[i.e. He thinks of the right answer while walking down the stairs, after leaving the room.]
Faire de l’esprit = To try and be witty.
Faire de l’esprit = To attempt to be clever or funny.
Il a de l’esprit comme quatre = He is very witty.
Il a de l’esprit comme quatre = He’s really witty.
L’esprit court les rues = Wit is a drug in the market.
L’esprit court les rues = Wit is in high demand.
Avoir l’esprit bien fait = To be good-tempered.
Avoir l’esprit bien fait = To be easygoing.
Les grands esprits se rencontrent = Great wits always jump
together; We both said the same thing at the same moment.
Les grands esprits se rencontrent = Great minds think alike; We both said the same thing at the same time.
Essuyer les plâtres = To move into a newly-built house before
the walls are dry; (fig.) To experience the disadvantages of a
beginning.
Essuyer les plâtres = To move into a newly constructed house before the walls are dry; (fig.) To go through the challenges of starting something new.
Avoir l’estomac dans les talons = To be as hungry as a hunter.
Avoir l’estomac dans les talons = To be extremely hungry.
Nous faisons peu d’état de cet homme = We consider that man
very little; We take little account of that man.
Nous faisons peu d’état de cet homme = We don't think much of that man; We pay little attention to that man.
De son état = By profession, by trade.
De son état = By profession, by trade.
Je l’ai mis hors d’état de vous nuire = I have put it out of
his power to harm you.
Je l’ai mis hors d’état de vous nuire = I've made it so he can't harm you.
Pour un rien il se met dans tous ses états (fam.) = He gets
very excited over a mere trifle.
Pour un rien il se met dans tous ses états (fam.) = He gets really worked up over nothing.
L’État, c’est moi! = The State! I am the State.
L’État, c’est moi! = I am the State!
[Chéruel, Histoire de l’Administration monarchique en
France, Livre II. p. 32.]
[Chéruel, History of the Monarchical Administration in France, Book II. p. 32.]
Il y a de l’étoffe dans cet enfant = There is grit in that boy.
Il y a de l’étoffe dans cet enfant = That boy has guts.
Voir des étoiles (la lune) en plein midi = To receive a
violent blow in the eye, so as to “see stars.”
Voir des étoiles (la lune) en plein midi = To get hit hard in the eye, causing one to “see stars.”
Étourdir la grosse faim = To take the edge off one’s appetite.
Étourdir la grosse faim = To take the edge off your appetite.
Je n’y suis pour personne = I am not at home to anybody.
Je n’y suis pour personne = I'm not available to anyone.
Je n’y suis pour rien = I have nothing to do with it; I have no
hand in it.
Je n’y suis pour rien = I’m not involved; I have no part in it.
Vous n’y êtes pas = You do not understand it; “You are out of
it.”
Vous n’y êtes pas = You don't get it; “You are out of it.”
J’y suis, j’y reste = Here I am, here I stop.
J’y suis, j’y reste = I'm here, and I'm staying.
[Marshal MacMahon in the trenches before the Malakoff, Sept. 9,
1855.]
[Marshal MacMahon in the trenches before the Malakoff, Sept. 9, 1855.]
Cette fois, ça y est = Now it is done, and no mistake.
Cette fois, ça y est = Now it's finally done, no doubt about it.
Je n’en suis plus = I am no longer one of the party; I no
longer belong to it.
Je n’en suis plus = I'm no longer part of the group; I don't belong to it anymore.
Il n’en a rien été = Nothing came of it.
Il n’en a rien été = It led to nothing.
Il en a été pour sa peine = He had his trouble for nothing.
Il en a été pour sa peine = He went through all that trouble for nothing.
Il en sera ce qu’il vous plaira = It shall be just as you
please.
Il en sera ce qu’il vous plaira = It will be however you want.
Je ne sais plus où j’en suis = 1. I have lost the place where I
left off (in reading, etc.). 2. I do not know what I am about.
Je ne sais plus où j’en suis = 1. I’ve lost track of where I was (in reading, etc.). 2. I’m not sure what I’m doing.
Je suis très bien avec lui = I am on very good terms with him.
Je suis très bien avec lui = I'm on really good terms with him.
Êtes-vous de la noce? = Are you one of the wedding party?
Êtes-vous de la noce? = Are you part of the wedding party?
Êtes-vous des nôtres = Are you one of our party? Are you one of
us? Do you think as we do?
Êtes-vous des nôtres = Are you one of us? Do you share our views?
Voilà ce que c’est que de se mettre en colère = That is the
consequence of losing one’s temper.
Voilà ce que c’est que de se mettre en colère = That's what happens when you lose your temper.
Je suis à l’étroit = I am cramped for room.
Je suis à l’étroit = I'm feeling cramped.
*On ne peut pas être et avoir été = One cannot have one’s cake
and eat it. (See Drap.)
*On ne peut pas être et avoir été = You can't have it both ways. (See Drap.)
Tu n’en auras pas l’étrenne = You will not be the first to use
it.
Tu n’en auras pas l’étrenne = You won't be the first to use it.
Il a le pied à l’étrier = He is ready to start.
Il a le pied à l’étrier = He is ready to begin.
Buvez le coup de l’étrier = Drink the stirrup-cup.
Buvez le coup de l’étrier = Drink the stirrup cup.
A franc étrier = At full speed. (See Bride and Train.)
A franc étrier = At full speed. (See Bride and Train.)
C’est l’Évangile (or, c’est parole d’Évangile) = It is gospel
truth.
C’est l’Évangile (or, c’est parole d’Évangile) = It is gospel truth.
*Qui s’excuse, s’accuse = If you try to excuse yourself you
practically acknowledge that you have done wrong; A guilty
conscience needs no accuser.
*Qui s’excuse, s’accuse = If you try to justify yourself, you basically admit that you've done something wrong; a guilty conscience doesn’t need an accuser.
Excusez du peu (ironic.) = Only that? How modest!
Excusez du peu (ironic) = Is that it? How humble!
Il prêcha d’exemple = He practised what he preached; He set the
example.
Il prêcha d’exemple = He practiced what he preached; He set the example.
*Peu de leçons, beaucoup d’exemples = Precepts lead, examples
draw; It is easiest learning at another’s cost.
*Peu de leçons, beaucoup d’exemples = Principles guide, examples teach; It’s easiest to learn from someone else's mistakes.*
*Expérience passe science = Experience is the best master;
Experientia docet.
*Expérience passe science = Experience is the best teacher; Experientia docet.
[“Experience is the best of schoolmasters, only the school fees
are heavy.” Carlyle, Misc. Essays, i. 137.]
[“Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition is high.” Carlyle, Misc. Essays, i. 137.]
Les extrêmes se touchent = Extremes meet; Too far east is west;
Too much care may be as bad as downright negligence.
Les extrêmes se touchent = Extremes meet; Going too far east is the same as going west; Caring too much can be just as harmful as complete neglect.
F.
C’est de sa fabrique = That is of his invention.
C’est de sa fabrique = It’s his creation.
Marque de fabrique = Trade-mark.
Marque de fabrique = Trademark.
Il fera face à tout = He will meet every demand.
Il fera face à tout = He will handle everything.
Ce portrait est pris de face = That portrait is taken full face.
Ce portrait est pris de face = That portrait is taken from the front.
Jouer à pile ou face = To play at heads or tails, pitch and
toss.
Jouer à pile ou face = To play heads or tails, toss a coin.
Il le regarda bien en face = He looked him straight in the face.
Il le regarda bien en face = He looked him right in the eye.
Donner un ouvrage à façon = To put out a job to be done.
Donner un ouvrage à façon = To outsource a job.
On travaille à façon (of small tailors, etc.) = People’s own
materials made up.
On travaille à façon (of small tailors, etc.) = People have their own materials customized.
C’est un conte de sa façon = It is a story of his own invention.
C’est un conte de sa façon = It's a story he made up himself.
Maintenant qu’il est riche, il s’en donne de la bonne façon =
Now he is rich, he refuses himself nothing.
Maintenant qu’il est riche, il s’en donne de la bonne façon = Now that he’s rich, he doesn’t hold back on anything.
Je lui dirai ma façon de penser = I’ll give him a piece of my
mind.
Je lui dirai ma façon de penser = I’ll tell him what I think.
Une façon de parler = A form of speech; A way of speaking (not
to be taken literally).
Une façon de parler = A way of speaking; A manner of expression (not to be taken literally).
[e.g. “Quand je dis qu’il n’est jamais venu en Angleterre c’est
une façon de parler, car il a passé huit jours à Douvres il y a
dix ans.”]
[e.g. “When I say he’s never been to England, I mean it in a loose way, because he spent eight days in Dover ten years ago.”]
Cet homme n’a ni mine ni façon = That man has neither grace nor
good looks; That man is as awkward as he is ugly.
Cet homme n’a ni mine ni façon = That man has neither charm nor looks; That man is as clumsy as he is unattractive.
C’est lui qui fait les sottises et c’est moi qui en paye la
façon = He commits the mistakes and I have to pay for them.
C’est lui qui fait les sottises et c’est moi qui en paye la façon = He makes the mistakes and I have to deal with the consequences.
Il a bonne façon = He has good style; He is well got up.
Il a bonne façon = He has good style; He is well-dressed.
De toute façon il a tort = At any rate he is wrong; Whichever
way you look at it, he is wrong.
De toute façon il a tort = Anyway, he's wrong; No matter how you look at it, he's wrong.
Sans façon = Without ceremony, without fuss.
Sans façon = No fuss, no hassle.
De façon ou d’autre = Somehow or other.
De façon ou d’autre = One way or another.
C’est un vrai fagot d’épines = He is a regular bear.
C’est un vrai fagot d’épines = He is a real pain.
*Il y a fagots et fagots = There are men and men; All men are
not alike.
*Il y a fagots et fagots = There are different kinds of men; not all men are the same.*
[Molière, Le Médecin malgré lui, i. 6.]
[Molière, Le Médecin malgré lui, i. 6.]
Sentir le fagot = 1. To be tainted with heresy (obsolete). 2.
Not to be quite honest.
Sentir le fagot = 1. To be affected by heresy (outdated). 2. Not to be entirely truthful.
Comme vous voilà fagotée! = How awkwardly you are dressed! What
a fright (or, dowdy) you look!
Comme vous voilà fagotée! = How awkwardly you are dressed! What a fright (or, frumpy) you look!
[“Pour moi, quand une femme a le don de se taire,
Eût-elle en vrai magot tout le corps fagoté,
Je lui voudrais donner le prix de la beauté.”
Corneille, Le Menteur.]
[“For me, when a woman has the ability to be quiet,
Even if she were truly a gem, all dressed up,
I would appreciate her beauty.”
Corneille, The Liar.
J’ai failli tomber = I very nearly fell.
J’ai failli tomber = I almost fell.
C’est la faim qui épouse la soif = They are both very poor; It
is one beggar marrying another.
C’est la faim qui épouse la soif = They are both very poor; it's like one beggar marrying another.
*La faim chasse le loup hors du bois = Hunger tames the lion;
Hunger will break through stone walls.
*i lang="fr">La faim chasse le loup hors du bois = Hunger tames the lion;
Hunger will break through stone walls.
Rien n’y fait = Nothing has any effect upon him (or, on it);
It is all of no use.
Rien n’y fait = Nothing affects him (or, it);
It's all pointless.
Comment est-il fait? = What sort of a man is he?
Comment est-il fait? = What kind of man is he?
*Ce qui est fait est fait = It is no good crying over spilt
milk.
*What’s done is done = There’s no point in crying over spilled milk.
*On ne peut faire qu’en faisant = Practice makes perfect.
*On ne peut faire qu’en faisant = Practice makes perfect.
Faire la Saint-Lundi = To do no work on Monday. (See Lundi.)
Faire la Saint-Lundi = To take a day off work on Monday. (See Lundi.)
[Colloquially: Faire le Lundi.]
[Colloquially: Do the Monday.]
Tâchez de faire quelques provisions = Try and collect some
provisions.
Tâchez de faire quelques provisions = Try to gather some supplies.
Faire dix ans de travaux forcés = To undergo ten years’ penal
servitude.
Faire dix ans de travaux forcés = To serve ten years of hard labor.
Il est bon de se faire à la fatigue = It is good to accustom
oneself to fatigue.
Il est bon de se faire à la fatigue = It's good to get used to being tired.
Coquelin fait le rôle principal = Coquelin is taking the
principal part.
Coquelin fait le rôle principal = Coquelin is playing the lead role.
On le fait riche = He is said to be rich.
On le fait riche = People say he’s rich.
Cela ne me fait ni chaud ni froid = It is all the same to me.
Cela ne me fait ni chaud ni froid = I don't care either way.
Je n’ai que faire de vos conseils = I do not care a jot for
your advice; I do not want your advice.
Je n’ai que faire de vos conseils = I don’t care at all about your advice; I don’t want your advice.
*Qui bien fera, bien (se) trouvera = Who works well will
have a good reward.
Qui bien fera, bien (se) trouvera = Those who do good work will be rewarded well.
Il ne faut pas me la faire (pop.) = You must not try that on
with me.
Il ne faut pas me la faire (pop.) = Don't try that with me.
Combien faites-vous cette étoffe? = How much are you asking for
this stuff?
Combien faites-vous cette étoffe? = How much do you want for this fabric?
Il aime à ce qu’on fasse cas de lui = He likes to be made a
fuss of.
Il aime à ce qu’on fasse cas de lui = He likes to be treated as important.
Il fait bien son chemin = He is getting on in the world.
Il fait bien son chemin = He is making progress in life.
Ils ne font qu’un = They are hand and glove together.
Ils ne font qu’un = They go hand in hand.
Cela fait beaucoup = That makes a great difference.
Cela fait beaucoup = That makes a big difference.
Cela me fait sortir des gonds = That exasperates me.
Cela me fait sortir des gonds = That really gets on my nerves.
Il faut faire mousser sa marchandise = One must puff one’s
goods.
Il faut faire mousser sa marchandise = You have to promote your products.
Qu’est-ce que cela me fait? = What is that to me?
Qu’est-ce que cela me fait? = What does that mean to me?
Faire huit kilomètres à pied, à cheval, en voiture = To walk,
ride, drive, five miles.
Faire huit kilomètres à pied, à cheval, en voiture = To walk, ride, or drive five miles.
Le vert fait bien avec le rose = Green goes well with pink;
Pink and green are fit for a queen.
Le vert fait bien avec le rose = Green goes well with pink;
Pink and green are perfect for a queen.
Faire des siennes = To be at one’s old tricks.
Faire des siennes = To be up to one's old antics.
Il n’en fait qu’à sa volonté = He is self-willed.
Il n’en fait qu’à sa volonté = He does whatever he wants.
C’est à faire à vous de réussir = You are the man to succeed.
C’est à faire à vous de réussir = You are the one to succeed.
C’en est fait de lui = He is done for; It is all up with him.
C’en est fait de lui = He's finished; It's all over for him.
Ce qui est fait n’est pas à faire = Better to finish it now
than to leave it.
Ce qui est fait n’est pas à faire = It's better to get it done now than to leave it unfinished.
Ce n’est ni fait ni à faire = It is done, but badly, (in a
slovenly fashion).
Ce n’est ni fait ni à faire = It's done, but poorly, (in a careless way).
Il fait cher vivre à Londres = Living in London is dear.
Il fait cher vivre à Londres = Living in London costs a lot.
Que faire? = What am I (or, are we) to do? What is to be done?
Que faire? = What should I (or, should we) do? What needs to be done?
Pourquoi faire? = What for?
Comment faire? = What is to be done?
Comment faire? = What should we do?
Que voulez-vous que j’y fasse? = How can I help it? What would
you have me do? It is no business of mine.
Que voulez-vous que j’y fasse? = How can I help it? What do you want me to do? It’s not my concern.
Je ne saurais qu’y faire = I cannot help it.
Je ne saurais qu’y faire = I can't do anything about it.
A chose faite point de remède = What is done cannot be undone.
A chose faite point de remède = What’s done is done.
Laissez-le faire = Do not interfere with him.
Laissez-le faire = Don't get in his way.
Si faire se peut = If possible.
Si faire se peut = If it's possible.
Cela ne fait rien = That does not matter.
Cela ne fait rien = That doesn't matter.
Il n’en fera rien = He will do nothing of the sort.
Il n’en fera rien = He won't do anything like that.
Je m’y fais = I am getting used to it.
Je m’y fais = I’m getting the hang of it.
C’est bien fait = It serves him (or, her, you) right.
C’est bien fait = It serves him (or, her, you) right.
Quel temps fait-il? = What is the weather like?
Quel temps fait-il? = What's the weather like?
Quel temps il fait! = What weather this is!
Quel temps il fait! = What a nice day it is!
Paris ne s’est pas fait en un jour = Rome was not built in a
day.
Paris ne s’est pas fait en un jour = Rome wasn't built in a day.
Il s’est fait jardinier = He became a gardener.
Il s’est fait jardinier = He became a gardener.
Elle se fait vieille = She is getting old.
Elle se fait vieille = She's getting old.
Pour se faire la main = To get one’s hand in (i.e. to get
accustomed to the work).
Pour se faire la main = To get the hang of it (i.e. to get used to the work).
Se faire jour à travers la foule = To force one’s way through
the crowd.
Se faire jour à travers la foule = To push one’s way through the crowd.
Je me fais fort de le faire = I feel quite confident of doing
it.
Je me fais fort de le faire = I’m pretty sure I can do it.
Coquelin sait le mieux se faire une tête = Coquelin is the
cleverest at altering his features, at making up.
Coquelin sait le mieux se faire une tête = Coquelin is the smartest at changing his appearance, at styling himself.
Cela se fait maintenant = That is the fashion now.
Cela se fait maintenant = That's how it is done now.
Cela ne se fait pas = That is not proper; That is not the
correct thing.
Cela ne se fait pas = That's not right; That's not the right thing to do.
C’est un faiseur d’embarras = He is a fussy personage.
C’est un faiseur d’embarras = He is a difficult person.
Cela est de mon fait = That is my doing.
Cela est de mon fait = That's on me.
Venons au fait = Let us come to the point.
Venons au fait = Let's get to the point.
Mettez-moi au fait de ce qui s’est passé = Tell me what
happened.
Mettez-moi au fait de ce qui s’est passé = Let me know what happened.
Il lui a dit son fait = He told him what he thought of him
(not complimentary); He gave him a bit of his mind.
Il lui a dit son fait = He told him what he thought of him
(not complimentary); He gave him a piece of his mind.
Si fait! = Yes, indeed! On the contrary!
Si fait! = Yes, definitely! On the other hand!
Cette place est votre fait = That situation is just the thing
for you.
Cette place est votre fait = That situation is perfect for you.
Je suis sûr de mon fait = I am sure of what I am saying; I know
what I am about.
Je suis sûr de mon fait = I’m confident in what I’m saying; I know what I’m talking about.
C’est un fait accompli = It is done and cannot be undone.
C’est un fait accompli = It’s a done deal and can’t be changed.
Travailler à prix fait (or, à forfait) = To work at an agreed
price; To work by the piece.
Travailler à prix fait (or, à forfait) = To work at a set price; To work per task.
Prendre quelqu’un sur le fait = To take any one in the act.
Prendre quelqu’un sur le fait = To catch someone in the act.
Il a pris fait et cause pour moi = He stood up for me; He took
my part.
Il a pris fait et cause pour moi = He stood up for me; He defended me.
L’homme qu’il faut = The very man (for a post).
L’homme qu’il faut = The right man (for the job).
Il le faut = It must be so.
Il le faut = It has to be that way.
Il fallait voir comme il était content = You should have seen
how happy he was.
Il fallait voir comme il était content = You should have seen how happy he was.
Peu s’en fallut qu’il ne fût reçu = He was all but received; He
failed for a few marks.
Peu s’en fallut qu’il ne fût reçu = He was just short of being accepted; he missed it by a few points.
[Latin: Haud multum abfuit quin....]
[Latin: Haud multum abfuit quin....]
C’est un homme comme il faut = He is a perfect gentleman.
C’est un homme comme il faut = He is a perfect gentleman.
C’est un homme comme il en faut = He is one of the right sort.
C’est un homme comme il en faut = He's the right kind of guy.
[Sometimes in bad sense: He is the sort of man we want to do that
dirty work.]
[Sometimes in a negative way: He is the type of guy we want to handle that unpleasant task.]
C’est un homme comme il en faudrait beaucoup = I wish more
men were like him (because of his straightforward or courageous
nature).
C’est un homme comme il en faudrait beaucoup = I wish more men were like him (because of his direct or brave nature).
S’il n’est pas un fripon, il ne s’en faut guère = If he is not
a rascal, he is precious near it.
S’il n’est pas un fripon, il ne s’en faut guère = If he’s not a troublemaker, he’s pretty close to being one.
Il s’en faut beaucoup que l’un ait autant de mérite que l’autre
= There is a great difference in merit between the two.
Il s’en faut beaucoup que l’un ait autant de mérite que l’autre
= There's a big difference in merit between the two.
Il s’en faut de beaucoup que leur nombre soit complet = Their
number is far from being complete.
Il s’en faut de beaucoup que leur nombre soit complet = Their number is far from complete.
[The former of these two idioms should refer to quality, the
latter to quantity.]
[The first of these two phrases should refer to quality, the second to quantity.]
Des gens de même farine = Persons of the same kidney (generally
in a bad sense); People tarred with the same brush.
Des gens de même farine = People cut from the same cloth (usually in a negative way); People who are alike in a bad way.
“Le bruit est pour le fat, la plainte pour le sot,
L’honnête homme trompé s’éloigne et ne dit mot,”
= Rows are for muffs, ’tis only fools complain.
The gentleman deceived will grin and bear the pain.
Noise is for the fool, complaints are for the simple-minded,
The honest man who has been tricked walks away and says nothing.
Complaints are for the weak; only fools complain.
The deceived gentleman will smile and endure the pain.
[La Noue, La Coquette corrigée, i. 3 (1756).]
[La Noue, La Coquette corrigée, i. 3 (1756).]
Rien ne vous fera faute = You will want for nothing.
Rien ne vous fera faute = You won't lack anything.
Il ne se fait faute de rien = He denies himself nothing.
Il ne se fait faute de rien = He doesn’t deny himself anything.
C’est une faute d’inattention = It is a slip.
C’est une faute d’inattention = It’s a mistake.
C’est une faute d’impression = It is a misprint.
C’est une faute d’impression = It’s a typo.
Il ne se fait pas faute de se plaindre = He complains freely.
Il ne se fait pas faute de se plaindre = He doesn't hold back from complaining.
Faute de mieux = For want of something better.
Faute de mieux = Because there's nothing better available.
Chanter faux = To sing out of tune.
Faire un faux pas = (lit.) To stumble; (fig.) To make a slip;
To commit a mistake.
Faire un faux pas = (lit.) To trip; (fig.) To make a mistake; To mess up.
Vous faites fausse route = You are taking the wrong road; You
are on the wrong track.
Vous faites fausse route = You are off track; You are headed in the wrong direction.
Cette poutre porte à faux = That beam does not rest properly on
its support.
Cette poutre porte à faux = That beam isn't properly supported.
Cette remarque a porté à faux = That remark was not to the
point, was not conclusive.
Cette remarque a porté à faux = That remark missed the mark, was not conclusive.
Faux comme un jeton = As false as Judas; As false as a die.
Faux comme un jeton = As fake as Judas; As fake as a die.
Je m’inscris en faux contre cette assertion = I emphatically
deny the truth of that assertion.
Je m’inscris en faux contre cette assertion = I strongly disagree with that statement.
C’est la fée Carabosse = She is an old hag.
C’est la fée Carabosse = She's a wicked fairy.
*Les pots fêlés sont ceux qui durent le plus = The door with
the creaking hinge hangs longest; The cracked pitcher goes
oftenest to the well.
*Les pots fêlés sont ceux qui durent le plus = The door with the creaky hinge lasts the longest; The cracked pitcher goes to the well the most often.
*Femme qui parle comme homme et geline qui chante comme coq ne
sont bonnes à tenir =
A whistling woman and a crowing hen
Are good for neither cocks nor men.
*Femme qui parle comme homme et geline qui chante comme coq ne
sont bonnes à tenir =
A woman who talks like a man and a hen that crows
Are no good for either roosters or men.
[“C’est chose qui moult me deplaist,
Quand poule parle et coq se taist.”
Roman de la Rose.
["It really annoys me,
When the hen speaks and the rooster stays silent.”
Roman de la Rose.
“La poule ne doit pas chanter devant le coq.”
Molière, Les Femmes Savantes, v. 3.]
“The hen shouldn't crow in front of the rooster.”
Molière, Smart Women, v. 3.]
*Prends le premier conseil d’une femme et non le second = A
woman’s instinct is better than her reason.
*Prends le premier conseil d’une femme et non le second = A woman's intuition is better than her logic.
[Montaigne coined the phrase l’esprit primesautier to describe
this feminine peculiarity of either seeing a thing at once or not
at all.]
[Montaigne coined the phrase l’esprit primesautier to describe this unique quality in women where they either grasp something instantly or not at all.]
Femme sotte se connaît à la cotte = A foolish woman is known by
her finery.
Femme sotte se connaît à la cotte = A foolish woman is known by her fancy clothes.
Ce que femme veut Dieu le veut = Woman must have her way.
Ce que femme veut Dieu le veut = A woman gets what she wants.
*Souvent femme varie,
Bien fol est qui s’y fie =
Between a woman’s yes and no,
There’s no room for a pin to go.
A woman’s mind
And winter wind
Change oft.
*Women often change their minds,
It's unwise to trust them
Between a woman's yes and no,
There's hardly enough space for a pin to fit.
A woman's thoughts
And the winter breeze
Change often.
[These words are said to have been written by François I. on two
little leaded panes in his room at the castle of Chambord, about
ten miles from Blois. Brantôme says that while talking with his
sister, Marguerite d’Angoulême, he engraved the saying with a
diamond ring. Report has it that Louis XIV. broke the glass with
his stick at the request of Mademoiselle de la Vallière. However
that may be, the visitor to Chambord will see that the words have
been rewritten on the window.]
[These words are said to have been written by François I on two small leaded panes in his room at the castle of Chambord, about ten miles from Blois. Brantôme mentions that while talking with his sister, Marguerite d’Angoulême, he etched the saying with a diamond ring. There's a story that Louis XIV broke the glass with his cane at the request of Mademoiselle de la Vallière. Regardless of the details, anyone visiting Chambord will notice that the words have been rewritten on the window.]
Ciel pommelé et femme fardée ne sont pas de longue durée = A
mackerel sky, not long wet and not long dry.
Ciel pommelé et femme fardée ne sont pas de longue durée = A
mackerel sky, neither wet for long nor dry for long.
Il faut passer par là ou par la fenêtre = It is absolutely
inevitable.
Il faut passer par là ou par la fenêtre = It's totally unavoidable.
*Il faut battre le fer pendant qu’il est chaud = You must
strike while the iron is hot.
*Il faut battre le fer pendant qu’il est chaud = You have to strike while the iron is hot.
[“Ce pendant que le fer est chault il le fault
battre.”—Rabelais, Pantagruel, ii. 31.]
[“While the iron is hot, it must be hammered.”—Rabelais, Pantagruel, ii. 31.]
Cela ne vaut pas les quatre fers d’un chien = That is not worth
a rap, a fig (i.e., nothing, for a dog is not shod).
Cela ne vaut pas les quatre fers d’un chien = That is worth nothing at all (i.e., nothing, because a dog isn't shod).
Il tomba les quatre fers en l’air = (lit.) He fell on his back;
(fig.) He was struck all of a heap.
Il tomba les quatre fers en l’air = (lit.) He fell on his back;
(fig.) He was completely taken by surprise.
Il y a quelque fer qui cloche = There is a hitch somewhere. (See
Clocher.)
Il y a quelque fer qui cloche = There’s something off. (See Clocher.)
Sans coup férir = Without striking a blow.
Sans coup férir = Without having to fight.
Il est ferré sur la géographie = He is well up in geography.
Il est ferré sur la géographie = He knows a lot about geography.
*Ce n’est pas tous les jours fête = Christmas comes but once a
year.
*Ce n’est pas tous les jours fête = Christmas happens only once a year.
Faire fête à quelqu’un = To welcome some one heartily.
Faire fête à quelqu’un = To warmly welcome someone.
Je me fais une fête de passer huit jours à la campagne = I
look forward with pleasure to the idea of spending a week in the
country.
Je me fais une fête de passer huit jours à la campagne = I can't wait to spend a week in the countryside.
Il n’a ni feu ni lieu = He has neither house nor home.
Il n’a ni feu ni lieu = He has no stability or place to call home.
L’ennemi mit le pays à feu et à sang = The enemy put the
country to fire and sword.
L’ennemi mit le pays à feu et à sang = The enemy set the country ablaze and flooded it with violence.
Je n’y ai vu que du feu = It was impossible for me to find out
how the thing was done (as it was done so quickly); It was done
so quickly (or, cleverly) that I could not make head or tail of
it.
Je n’y ai vu que du feu = I couldn’t figure out how it was done (it happened so fast); it was done so quickly (or, skillfully) that I couldn’t make sense of it.
Vous me faites mourir à petit feu = You are killing me by
inches; You are torturing me to death.
Vous me faites mourir à petit feu = You are killing me slowly; You are torturing me to death.
Il ne faut pas jouer avec le feu = One should not play with
edged tools.
Il ne faut pas jouer avec le feu = You shouldn’t play with fire.
Il n’est feu que de bois vert = None are so active as the young.
Il n’est feu que de bois vert = No one is as energetic as the young.
Il jette feu et flamme = He frets and fumes; He is in a great
rage.
Il jette feu et flamme = He is really fired up; He is extremely angry.
Faire feu des quatre pieds = To strain every nerve.
Faire feu des quatre pieds = To give it everything you've got.
Ce n’est qu’un feu de paille = It is only a flash in the pan;
It will not last.
Ce n’est qu’un feu de paille = It's just a short-lived thing;
It won’t stick around.
Il a jeté tout son feu = 1. His anger is over now. 2. He has
used up all his ideas.
Il a jeté tout son feu = 1. He has calmed down. 2. He has run out of ideas.
C’est le feu et l’eau = They are as opposite as fire and water.
C’est le feu et l’eau = They are as different as fire and water.
Faire feu = To fire (rifles, guns).
Faire feu = To shoot (rifles, guns).
Faire du feu = To light a fire.
Faire du feu = To start a fire.
*Il a trouvé la fève au gâteau = He has hit the mark; He has
made a lucky discovery.
*Il a trouvé la fève au gâteau = He has hit the jackpot; He has made a lucky find.
[It was (and is still in many places) the custom to hide a bean
in the cake on Twelfth Night, and the person who found it was the
king of the revels.
[It was (and still is in many places) the tradition to hide a bean in the cake on Twelfth Night, and the person who found it became the king of the festivities.]
“Pensent avoir trouvé la fève du gasteau.”
Régnier, Satires, vii.]
"They believed they had discovered the prize in the cake."
Régnier, Satires, vii.]
*Donner un pois pour avoir une fève = To give a sprat to catch
a herring. (See Œuf.)
*i lang="fr">Give a little to get a lot = To give a sprat to catch a herring. (See Œuf.)
Fier comme Artaban (or, comme un Écossais) = As proud as a
peacock.
Fier comme Artaban (or, comme un Écossais) = As proud as can be.
[Artaban was the hero of Cléopâtre, a romance by La
Calprenède, a Gascon. The phrase is also said to be derived
from Artabanes, King of Parthia. “Plus fier que tous les
Artabans.”—Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac, i. 2.]
[Artaban was the hero of Cléopâtre, a romance by La Calprenède, a Gascon. The phrase is also said to come from Artabanes, King of Parthia. “More proud than all the Artabans.”—Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac, i. 2.]
*Tomber de fièvre en chaud mal (or, de la poêle dans la
braise, de Charybde en Scylla) = To fall out of the frying-pan
into the fire.
*Tomber de fièvre en chaud mal (or, de la poêle dans la
braise, de Charybde en Scylla) = To fall out of the frying pan into the fire.
[“Incidit in Scyllam cupiens vitare Charybdim.”—Compare
Homer, Od. xii. 85.
[“He runs into Scylla, wanting to avoid Charybdis.”—Compare
Homer, Od. xii. 85.]
“Thus when I shun Scylla, your father, I fall into Charybdis, your
mother.”—Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, iii. 5.]
“Therefore, when I avoid Scylla, your father, I end up in Charybdis, your mother.” —Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, iii. 5.]
*Moitié figue, moitié raisin = 1. Partly willingly, partly by
force. 2. Half one thing and half another. 3. Half in jest, half
in earnest.
*Moitié figue, moitié raisin = 1. Half willingly, half under pressure. 2. Half of one thing and half of another. 3. Half in fun, half serious.
[This expression is often used of a remark that may be
complimentary or not.]
[This phrase is often used for a comment that might be flattering or not.]
Je lui donnerai du fil à retordre = I will cut out his work for
him; I will give him a deal of trouble.
Je lui donnerai du fil à retordre = I will give him a hard time; I will make things difficult for him.
Ce sont des finesses cousues de fil blanc = Those tricks are
easily found out.
Ce sont des finesses cousues de fil blanc = Those tricks are obvious.
*A toile ourdie Dieu envoie le fil = God sends thread for a
begun web.
*i lang="fr">A toile ourdie Dieu envoie le fil = God sends thread for a begun web.
Au fil de l’eau = With the stream.
Au fil de l’eau = With the flow.
Au fil de l’épée = To the edge of the sword.
Au fil de l’épée = To the edge of the sword.
Filer à l’anglaise = To leave without saying good-bye, without
attracting attention; To take French leave.
Filer à l’anglaise = To sneak out without saying goodbye, without drawing attention; To take French leave.
*Du temps que Berthe filait = When Adam delved and Eve span; In
the good old times.
*Du temps que Berthe filait = When Adam worked the fields and Eve spun thread; In the good old days.
[Berthe was the mother of Charlemagne. She was known as Berthe au
grand pied from her club foot.]
[Berthe was the mother of Charlemagne. She was known as Berthe au grand pied because of her club foot.]
Filer doux = To sing small.
Filer doux = To hum softly.
Il faut filer (or, Filons!) (fam.) = We must be off, trot off.
Il faut filer (or, Filons!) (fam.) = We need to get going, let's hurry up.
La plus belle fille du monde ne peut donner que ce qu’elle a =
No man can give more than he has; A man cannot give what he has
not got.
La plus belle fille du monde ne peut donner que ce qu’elle a =
No one can give more than they have; A person cannot give what they don't possess.
*Quand on a des filles, on est toujours berger =
My son is my son till he gets him a wife,
My daughter’s my daughter all the days of her life.
*When you have daughters, you're always a shepherd =
My son is my son until he gets a wife,
My daughter’s my daughter for all her life.
*Fille oisive, à mal pensive = An idle brain is the devil’s
workshop.
*Fille oisive, à mal pensive = An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
[“For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.”
Isaac Watts, Divine Songs, xx.]
["Satan always finds trouble
for those who do nothing.”
Isaac Watts, Divine Songs, xx.]
Fille trop vue, robe trop vêtue,
N’est pas chère tenue. |
} |
= |
{ |
A maid often seen, a garment often worn,
Are disesteemed and held in scorn. |
Il est bien le fils de son père = He is a chip of the old block.
Il est bien le fils de son père = He is just like his father.
Être le fils de ses œuvres = To be a self-made man.
Être le fils de ses œuvres = To be a self-made person.
À la fin vous voilà! = Here you are at last!
À la fin vous voilà! = Here you are at last!
À la fin des fins (or, en fin finale) vous nous direz
quelque chose = At last you will tell us something.
À la fin des fins (or, en fin finale) vous nous direz
quelque chose = Finally, you will tell us something.
À telle fin que de raison = At all events; At any rate.
À telle fin que de raison = In any case; At any rate.
*La fin couronne l’œuvre = The end crowns all; All’s well
that ends well.
*La fin couronne l’œuvre = The end wraps everything up; Everything turns out fine in the end.
*Qui veut la fin veut les moyens = Where there is a will there
is a way; If you want the end you must not stick at the means.
*Qui veut la fin veut les moyens = Where there's a will, there's a way; If you want the end, you can't shy away from the means.*
*La fin justifie les moyens = Success justifies the means by
which it has been attained.
*La fin justifie les moyens = Success justifies the methods used to achieve it.
Il touche à sa fin = He is nearing his end; It is nearly over.
Il touche à sa fin = He is nearing his end; It's almost over.
*En toutes choses il faut considérer la fin = We must always
look to the end; Look before you leap.
*En toutes choses il faut considérer la fin = We must always look to the end; Think before you act.
[La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 5. The motto of the Kennedy
family is “Look to the end,” or “Avise la fin.”]
[La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 5. The motto of the Kennedy family is “Look to the end,” or “Consider the end.”]
C’est fin de siècle = That is smart, up to date.
C’est fin de siècle = That's stylish and current.
[This expression came to the front in Paris about the time of the
1889 Exhibition. In 1890 appeared a play called “Paris fin de
siècle,” by Blum and Toché, in which occur these words: “C’est
un mot nouveau qui dit très bien ce qu’il veut dire. Le siècle
n’a plus que dix ans à vivre et, vois-tu, il veut les passer
gaiement.” The saying, however, has lost its sense, and is
becoming obsolete now that a new century has begun.]
[This expression emerged in Paris around the time of the 1889 Exhibition. In 1890, a play titled “Paris fin de siècle” by Blum and Toché was released, featuring the lines: “It’s a new word that perfectly conveys its meaning. The century has only ten years left to live and, you see, it wants to spend them joyfully.” However, the saying has lost its significance and is becoming outdated now that a new century has begun.]
Il sait le fort et le fin de son art = He knows every trick of
his trade.
Il sait le fort et le fin de son art = He knows every trick of his trade.
Plus fin que lui n’est pas bête = He who can take him in is no
fool.
Plus fin que lui n’est pas bête = Whoever can outsmart him is no fool.
J’arrive du fin fond de l’Afrique = I have come from the very
depths of Africa.
J’arrive du fin fond de l’Afrique = I've come from the deepest part of Africa.
C’est une fine mouche (or, lame) = He is a cunning fellow, a
sly dog. (See Compère.)
C’est une fine mouche (or, lame) = He is a sharp guy, a sneaky character. (See Compère.)
C’est fin contre fin = It is diamond cut diamond.
C’est fin contre fin = It's a battle of equals.
[Also: Fin contre fin ne vaut rien pour doublure.]
[Also: Fin against end isn't worth anything for a substitute.]
Fin contre fin gare la bombe = “When Greeks joined Greeks, then
was the tug of war.”
Fin contre fin gare la bombe = “When Greeks got together, that's when the struggle began.”
[Nathaniel Lee, Alexander the Great, iv. 2.]
[Nathaniel Lee, Alexander the Great, iv. 2.]
Dites nous le fin mot = Tell us the secret.
Dites nous le fin mot = Tell us the whole story.
Il a le nez fin = 1. He has a good nose. 2. He is far-sighted,
sagacious.
Il a le nez fin = 1. He has a keen sense. 2. He is perceptive, wise.
Jouer au plus fin = To vie in cunning.
Jouer au plus fin = To compete with cleverness.
Ce sont des disputes à n’en plus finir = Those are endless
quarrels.
Ce sont des disputes à n’en plus finir = Those are never-ending arguments.
C’est un homme flambé = He is a ruined man, a lost man.
C’est un homme flambé = He is a destroyed man, a man who has lost everything.
Il s’est battu les flancs pour rien = He gave himself all that
trouble for nothing.
Il s’est battu les flancs pour rien = He went through all that trouble for nothing.
Il est sur le flanc = He is laid up, on his back.
Il est sur le flanc = He is stuck, lying on his back.
Prêter le flanc à des reproches = To lay oneself open to
reproaches.
Prêter le flanc à des reproches = To make oneself vulnerable to criticism.
*De rose flétrie nul ne soucie = The fading rose has no suitor.
*De rose flétrie nul ne soucie = The wilted rose has no admirer.*
C’est la fine fleur de l’armée = It is the cream of the army.
C’est la fine fleur de l’armée = It's the best of the army.
L’affaire passa à fleur de corde = The matter only just
succeeded.
L’affaire passa à fleur de corde = The matter barely succeeded.
Les yeux à fleur de tête = Goggle eyes (i.e. on a level with
the cheek-bone and fore-head).
Les yeux à fleur de tête = Goggle eyes (i.e. at the level of the cheekbone and forehead).
À fleur de terre = On a level (or, flush) with the ground.
À fleur de terre = On the same level (or, flush) with the ground.
À la fleur de l’âge = In the prime of life.
À la fleur de l’âge = In the prime of life.
Il a les nerfs à fleur de peau = His nerves are always on the
twitch; He is extremely sensitive.
Il a les nerfs à fleur de peau = He is always on edge; He is extremely sensitive.
Conter fleurettes = To say soft nothings.
Conter fleurettes = To say sweet nothings.
*Ce qui vient de la flûte s’en va au tambour = Lightly come,
lightly go; What is dishonestly acquired is easily dissipated.
*Ce qui vient de la flûte s’en va au tambour = Easy come, easy go; What is gained dishonestly is quickly lost.*
C’est un homme sans foi ni loi = He is a man without honour or
honesty.
C’est un homme sans foi ni loi = He is a man without morals or principles.
Il est de peu de foi = He is not to be trusted.
Il est de peu de foi = He is unreliable.
Ses ouvrages en font foi = His works prove it.
Ses ouvrages en font foi = His works prove it.
*C’est avec la bonne foi qu’on va le plus loin = Honesty is the
best policy.
*C’est avec la bonne foi qu’on va le plus loin = Being honest takes you the farthest.
La foi du charbonnier = Blind faith.
La foi du charbonnier = Blind faith.
Je ne puis ajouter foi à ce qu’il dit = I cannot believe what
he says.
Je ne puis ajouter foi à ce qu’il dit = I can't trust what he says.
Mettre du foin dans ses bottes = To feather one’s nest.
Mettre du foin dans ses bottes = To make oneself comfortable.
[Literally, to place hay in one’s wooden shoes to keep one’s feet
warm. Another saying is Mettre du beurre dans ses épinards.]
[Literally, to put hay in your wooden shoes to keep your feet warm. Another saying is Mettre du beurre dans ses épinards.]
Avoir du foin dans ses bottes = To be well off.
Avoir du foin dans ses bottes = To be rich.
Quand il n’y a pas de foin au râtelier, les chevaux se battent
= When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window.
Quand il n’y a pas de foin au râtelier, les chevaux se battent
= When hard times come in, love goes out the window.
Ce qui me lie, c’est ma folie = Straw bands will tie a fool’s
hands.
Ce qui me lie, c’est ma folie = Straw bands will tie a fool’s hands.
Je fais fond sur vous = I rely on you.
Je fais fond sur vous = I count on you.
Il sait cette langue à fond = He knows that language thoroughly.
Il sait cette langue à fond = He knows that language inside and out.
Il est ruiné de fond en comble = He is utterly ruined.
Il est ruiné de fond en comble = He is completely broke.
Au fond, il a tort = He is wrong in reality.
Au fond, il a tort = He is wrong, really.
Courir à fond de train = To run at the top of one’s speed.
Courir à fond de train = To run at full speed.
Article de fonds = Leading article (in a newspaper).
Article de fonds = Editorial (in a newspaper).
Il possède une fortune en bien-fonds = He has a fortune in
landed property.
Il possède une fortune en bien-fonds = He has a fortune in real estate.
Il a placé son argent à fonds perdu = He sank his money in an
annuity.
Il a placé son argent à fonds perdu = He invested his money in a bad deal.
*“Travaillez, prenez de la peine;
C’est le fonds qui manque le moins” =
Work and take pains, that you can always do.
Hard work and pain
Are ne’er in vain.
[La Fontaine, Fables, v. 9.]
“Put in the work and effort;
"That's the least you can do."
Work hard and put in the effort; that's something you can always do.
Hard work and perseverance
Are never wasted.
[La Fontaine, Fables, vol. 9.]
*Il ne faut pas dire, “Fontaine, je ne boirai pas de ton eau” =
One must never be sure of not wanting some one (or, something).
*Il ne faut pas dire, “Fontaine, je ne boirai pas de ton eau” =
One should never be certain about not wanting someone (or, something).
[Compare the proverb that Alfred de Musset took for the title of
one of his Proverbes: “Il ne faut jurer de rien.”]
[Compare the proverb that Alfred de Musset chose for the title of one of his Proverbes: “You shouldn’t swear by anything.”]
Tu me payeras de gré ou de force = You shall pay me, whether
you like it or not.
Tu me payeras de gré ou de force = You will pay me, whether you want to or not.
Hugo est un romantique dans toute la force du terme = Hugo is a
romanticist in the full sense of the word.
Hugo est un romantique dans toute la force du terme = Hugo is a romantic in every sense of the word.
Je suis à bout de force = I am exhausted, played out.
Je suis à bout de force = I'm worn out, totally drained.
Je ne suis pas de votre force = (lit.) I am not so strong as
you are; (fig.) I am no match for you.
Je ne suis pas de votre force = (lit.) I'm not as strong as you; (fig.) I'm no match for you.
Force m’est de partir = I am compelled to go.
Force m’est de partir = I have to leave.
Il faut à toute force l’empêcher de sortir = You must prevent
him going out by all the means in your power; We must do all we
can to prevent him going out.
Il faut à toute force l’empêcher de sortir = You have to stop him from going out by any means necessary; We must do everything we can to keep him from going out.
Il y avait force badauds = A quantity of loafers were there.
Il y avait force badauds = There were a lot of onlookers.
*La force prime le droit = Might is right. (See Fort.)
*La force prime le droit = Might is right. (See Fort.)
C’est un joueur de première force = He is a first-rate player.
C’est un joueur de première force = He is an outstanding player.
Force est restée à la loi = The police proved the stronger;
Order was restored.
Force est restée à la loi = The police were more powerful;
Order was restored.
C’est un cas de force majeure = It is a case of absolute
necessity; It is an utter impossibility.
C’est un cas de force majeure = It's a case of absolute necessity; It's an utter impossibility.
[e.g. “Le témoin n’a pu venir parce qu’il est dangereusement
malade; son absence est due à un cas de force majeure.”]
[e.g. "The witness couldn't come because he is seriously ill; his absence is due to circumstances beyond his control."]
Faire force de voiles = To crowd on all sail.
Faire force de voiles = To put up all sails.
Faire force de rames = To row with all one’s might.
Faire force de rames = To row with all your might.
*Tout par amour, rien par force = Sweet words will succeed
where mere strength will fail; You may row your heart out if wind
and tide are against you.
*Tout par amour, rien par force = Kind words will succeed where sheer force won't; You can put in all the effort you want if the wind and tide are against you.
À force de travailler = By dint of working.
À force de travailler = By working hard.
À force de bras = By strength of arm.
À force de bras = By strength of arm.
De vive force = By main force.
De vive force = By pure strength.
Un tour de force = A feat (of strength or skill).
Un tour de force = A remarkable achievement (of strength or skill).
*À force de forger on devient forgeron = Practice makes
perfect; Drawn wells are seldom dry.
*À force de forger on devient forgeron = Practice makes perfect; Drawn wells are seldom dry.
[Lat. Fit fabricando faber.]
Cela est trop fort (or, raide) = That is too bad; That is
beyond a joke.
Cela est trop fort (or, raide) = That is really unfortunate; That is beyond a joke.
Cela est par trop fort = That is really too bad.
Cela est par trop fort = That's really too bad.
[This par is derived from the Latin intensive particle per,
as in perhorridus. In French one finds such words as parfaire,
parachever, and in old French this prefix was separable. Thus,
tant il est parsage might be written tant il par est sage. So,
Cela est par trop fort = Cela est trop parfort.]
[This par comes from the Latin intensive particle per, like in perhorridus. In French, you can find words like parfaire and parachever, and in Old French, this prefix could be separated. So, tant il est parsage could be written as tant il par est sage. Similarly, Cela est par trop fort = Cela est trop parfort.]
C’est un esprit fort = He is a freethinker.
C’est un esprit fort = He is a freethinker.
Voilà qui est fort = That is rather strong.
Voilà qui est fort = That's pretty strong.
Ça, ce n’est pas fort = That is very tame; There is not much in
that.
Ça, ce n’est pas fort = That's pretty weak; There's not much to that.
A plus forte raison = All the more reason; A fortiori.
A plus forte raison = All the more reason; A fortiori.
Il faut que je parle, c’est plus fort que moi = I must speak, I
cannot help it.
Il faut que je parle, c’est plus fort que moi = I have to speak, I can't help it.
Le plus fort est fait = The worst is over; The most difficult
part is done.
Le plus fort est fait = The hardest part is over; the toughest part is done.
Savoir le fort et le faible de l’affaire = To know the ins and
outs of the matter.
Savoir le fort et le faible de l’affaire = To know the details of the situation.
Le fort portant le faible = One thing with another; On an
average.
Le fort portant le faible = One thing leads to another; On average.
*“La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure” = Might is
right; There is no arguing with a large fist.
*“La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure” = Might is right; You can't argue with a big fist.*
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 10, Le loup et l’agneau.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 10, The Wolf and the Lamb.]
Fort comme un Turc = As strong as a horse.
Fort comme un Turc = As strong as a horse.
“Ou tôt ou tard, ou près ou loin,
Le fort du faible a besoin” =
The lion had need of the mouse.
Either sooner or later, whether near or far,
"The strong need to support the weak" =
The lion needed the mouse.
[Génin, Récréations, ii. 250.]
[Génin, Recreations, ii. 250.]
Chacun a dans sa vie un souris de la fortune = Fortune knocks
once at every man’s door.
Chacun a dans sa vie un souris de la fortune = Fortune knocks once at every person’s door.
La fortune rit aux sots = Fools have the best luck.
La fortune rit aux sots = Fools have the best luck.
[“Fortuna fortes adjuvat.”—Livy, xxxiv. 37.]
“Fortune favors the bold.”—Livy, xxxiv. 37.
Voulez-vous accepter la fortune du pot? = Will you take
pot-luck with us?
Voulez-vous accepter la fortune du pot? = Will you join us for a potluck?
Faire contre fortune bon cœur = To bear up against
misfortune; To make the best of a bad job.
Faire contre fortune bon cœur = To stay positive in tough times; To make the most of a bad situation.
Cela lui a coûté un argent fou (fam.) = That cost him a heap of
money.
Cela lui a coûté un argent fou (fam.) = That cost him a ton of money.
*Combattre un fou est temps perdu = Fools are not to be
convinced.
*Combattre un fou est temps perdu = There's no point in trying to convince a fool.*
[Schiller says: “Heaven and Earth fight in vain against a dunce”
(“Mit der Dummheit fechten Götter selbst vergebens.”—Jungfrau
von Orleans), and the Chinese say: “One never needs his wit so
much as when one argues with a fool.”]
[Schiller says: “Heaven and Earth fight in vain against a fool” (“Mit der Dummheit fechten Götter selbst vergebens.”—Jungfrau von Orleans), and the Chinese say: “You never need your intelligence more than when you're arguing with a fool.”]
Ne faites pas messagers des fous = “He that sendeth a message
by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet and drinketh damage.”
Prov. xxvi. 6.
Ne faites pas messagers des fous = “Whoever sends a message with a fool is cutting off their own feet and bringing trouble upon themselves.” Prov. xxvi. 6.
Un fol ou bête
Fait bien conquête,
Mais bon ménage
C’est fait du sage =
A fool may meet with good fortune, but the wise only profit by it.
A fool or silly person
Makes a great achievement,
But a good home
Is created by the wise
A fool might get lucky, but only the wise really take advantage of it.
*Plus on est de fous plus on rit = The more the merrier.
*i lang="fr">Plus on est de fous plus on rit = The more, the merrier.
*Qui ne sait pas être fou n’est pas sage = He is not wise who
does not sometimes make merry; It takes a wise man to make a fool.
*Qui ne sait pas être fou n’est pas sage = He isn't wise who can't occasionally have fun; It takes a wise person to act foolishly at times.
*Les fous sont aux échecs les plus proches des rois = In chess
the fool stands next to the king. (Régnier, Sat. xiv.)
*Les fous sont aux échecs les plus proches des rois = In chess, the bishops are next to the king. (Régnier, Sat. xiv.)
[This implies that it is not only at chess that the king is
surrounded by fools, but at court too. It must not be forgotten
that le fou is called the bishop in the English game.]
[This implies that it’s not just in chess that the king is surrounded by fools, but also at court. It’s important to remember that le fou is called the bishop in the English game.]
Il est fou à lier (or, fou furieux) = He is raving mad.
Il est fou à lier (or, fou furieux) = He is completely insane.
Il vaut mieux être fou avec tous que sage tout seul = “One had
as good be out of the world as out of the fashion.”
Il vaut mieux être fou avec tous que sage tout seul = “It's better to be crazy with everyone than to be wise all alone.”
[Colley Cibber, Love’s Last Shift, Act ii.]
[Colley Cibber, Love’s Last Shift, Act ii.]
La Folle du Logis = Fancy, imagination.
La Folle du Logis = Fancy, creativity.
Il ne marche qu’à coups de fouet = He works only when he is
compelled.
Il ne marche qu’à coups de fouet = He only works when he is forced.
Fouette, cocher! = Fire away! Go ahead!
Fouette, cocher! = Shoot! Go for it!
Il fait noir comme dans un four = It is as dark as pitch.
Il fait noir comme dans un four = It's as dark as a dungeon.
[Molière, Le Sicilien, ii.]
[Molière, Le Sicilien, ii.]
Faire un four = To make a blunder.
Faire un four = To mess up.
Cette pièce a fait four = That piece was a failure, a frost.
Cette pièce a fait four = That piece flopped, it was a total dud.
On ne peut être au four et au moulin = One cannot be in two
places at the same time.
On ne peut être au four et au moulin = You can't be in two places at once.
Une bonne fourchette = A good trencherman.
Une bonne fourchette = A good eater.
*La pelle se moque du fourgon = The pot calls the kettle black.
*i lang="fr">La pelle se moque du fourgon = The pot calls the kettle black.
*L’épée (or, la lame) use le fourreau = The mind is too
active for the body.
*L’épée (or, la lame) use le fourreau = The mind is too active for the body.
[“A fiery soul, which, working out its way,
Fretted the pigmy body to decay.”
Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel, i.]
["A driven spirit that, forging its way,
Exhausted the frail body until its conclusion.”
Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel, i.]
Il ne savait où se fourrer = He did not know where to hide his
head.
Il ne savait où se fourrer = He didn’t know where to hide.
Il faut qu’il fourre le doigt (or, more fam., nez) partout
= He must have a finger in every one’s pie.
Il faut qu’il fourre le doigt (or, more fam., nez) partout
= He needs to stick his finger in everyone’s business.
En être pour ses frais = To have lost one’s money (or, pains)
for nothing.
En être pour ses frais = To have lost one’s money (or, pains) for nothing.
Faire des frais = (lit.) To go to expense; (fig.) To make
efforts to please.
Faire des frais = (lit.) To spend money; (fig.) To make an effort to please.
Faire ses frais = To cover one’s expenses.
Faire ses frais = To cover your expenses.
Faire les frais de la conversation = 1. To keep a conversation
going. 2. To be (oneself) the subject of conversation.
Faire les frais de la conversation = 1. To keep a conversation alive. 2. To be the topic of conversation.
En bon français = (lit.) In good French; (fig.) In plain
English (i.e. without mincing matters).
En bon français = (lit.) In good French; (fig.) In straightforward English (i.e. without beating around the bush).
Parler français comme une vache espagnole = To speak French
very badly.
Parler français comme une vache espagnole = To speak French very poorly.
[This is said to be a corruption of comme un Basque espagnol
(formerly written Vace). The Basques speak French with a very
bad accent, owing to their language having no relation whatever to
the Romance tongues.]
[This is said to be a corruption of comme un Basque espagnol
(formerly written Vace). The Basques speak French with a really
thick accent, because their language has no connection at all to
the Romance languages.]
Recevoir quelqu’un à la bonne franquette = To treat a person
without ceremony.
Recevoir quelqu’un à la bonne franquette = To welcome someone informally.
Ronger son frein = To put up with annoyance in silence.
Ronger son frein = To endure frustration quietly.
A vieille mule frein doré = Old women have the finest clothes.
A vieille mule frein doré = Old women have the best clothes.
Aimer les friandises (chatteries) = To have a sweet tooth.
Aimer les friandises (chatteries) = To have a sweet tooth.
Elle frise la quarantaine = She is just upon forty.
Elle frise la quarantaine = She is nearly forty.
Cela se mange froid = (lit.) That is eaten cold; (fig.) That is
a matter of no importance; That is easily done.
Cela se mange froid = (lit.) That’s eaten cold; (fig.) That’s not a big deal; That’s easy to do.
Il n’a pas froid aux yeux = He is a plucky fellow.
Il n’a pas froid aux yeux = He’s a fearless guy.
Il fait un froid de loup = It is terribly cold.
Il fait un froid de loup = It's freezing cold.
Vous heurtez de front tous ses préjugés = You run counter to
(or, openly attack) all his prejudices.
You run counter to all his prejudices = You directly challenge all his biases.
Il mène plusieurs affaires de front = He carries on several
schemes simultaneously; He has many irons in the fire.
Il mène plusieurs affaires de front = He manages several projects at once; He has many things going on.
Marcher de front = To walk abreast.
Marcher de front = To walk side by side.
*Qui s’y frotte s’y pique = Whoever meddles with it, will smart
for it.
*Qui s’y frotte s’y pique = Whoever gets involved with it will pay the price.
[Compare the motto of the Order of the Thistle: Nemo me impune
lacessit.]
[Compare the motto of the Order of the Thistle: No one provokes me with impunity.]
Je ne vous conseille pas de vous y frotter = I advise you not
to meddle with it.
Je ne vous conseille pas de vous y frotter = I don't recommend getting involved with it.
On l’a frotté d’importance (or, comme il faut) = He got a
good drubbing.
On l’a frotté d’importance (or, comme il faut) = He got a serious beating.
Une bonne fuite vaut mieux qu’une mauvaise attente = Discretion
is the better part of valour.
Une bonne fuite vaut mieux qu’une mauvaise attente = Discretion is the better part of valor.
Manger son pain à la fumée du rôt = To see others enjoying
themselves without joining in.
Manger son pain à la fumée du rôt = Watching others have a good time without being part of it.
Il n’y a pas de feu sans fumée = There is no smoke without fire.
Il n’y a pas de feu sans fumée = There’s no smoke without fire.
[Though the French form is not exact, it is preferred to “il
n’y a pas de fumée sans feu” for rhythmical reasons. Compare
Plautus, Curculio, i. 1, 53, “Flamma fumo est proxima.”]
[Though the French version isn't exact, it's preferred over “il n’y a pas de fumée sans feu” for rhythm. See Plautus, Curculio, i. 1, 53, “Flamma fumo est proxima.”]
Au fur et à mesure = In proportion as.
Au fur et à mesure = As time goes on.
Cela fait fureur maintenant = That is quite the rage now; That
is all the go now.
Cela fait fureur maintenant = This is really popular right now; This is totally in right now.
Changer son fusil d’épaule = To change one’s opinion,
profession, tactics.
Changer son fusil d’épaule = To change one’s opinion, job, approach.
[A more familiar expression is retourner sa veste = to be a
turn-coat.]
[A more familiar expression is retourner sa veste = to be a turncoat.]
G.
Faire une gaffe = To put one’s foot in it; To make a stupid
blunder.
Faire une gaffe = To mess up; To make a silly mistake.
*La gageure est la preuve des sots =
*La gageure est la preuve des sots*
“Most men (till by losing rendered sager),
Will back their own opinions with a wager.”
“Most men (until they’ve learned from their mistakes),
Will trust their own opinions.”
*Qui épargne gagne = A penny saved is a penny earned.
*Qui épargne gagne = A dollar saved is a dollar earned.
Il gagne à être connu = He improves upon acquaintance.
Il gagne à être connu = He gets better as you get to know him.
Il est gai comme un pinson = He is as merry as a grig, as a
lark.
Il est gai comme un pinson = He is as cheerful as a songbird, as a lark.
Il est gai comme un bonnet de nuit (ironic.) = He is as dull as
ditchwater. (See Bonnet.)
Il est gai comme un bonnet de nuit (ironic.) = He is as dull as dishwater. (See Bonnet.)
De gaieté de cœur = Out of pure wantonness.
De gaieté de cœur = Out of pure joy.
Être sur le gaillard d’avant = To serve before the mast; To be
a common seaman.
Être sur le gaillard d’avant = To serve at the front of the ship; To be a regular sailor.
Vogue la galère! = Happen what may! “Go it, ye cripples!”
Vogue la galère! = Whatever happens! “Go for it, you crippled ones!”
*“Que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère?” = Whatever
induced him to get into that fix? Whatever business had he there?
*“Que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère?” = What on earth was he doing in that situation? What was he even doing there?
[Molière, Fourberies de Scapin, ii. II,
imitated from a scene of Le Pédant joué by Cyrano de Bergerac,
as is noted by M. Edmond Rostand in his play, “Cyrano de
Bergerac,” v. 6:
[Molière, Fourberies de Scapin, ii. II, imitated from a scene of Le Pédant joué by Cyrano de Bergerac, as noted by M. Edmond Rostand in his play, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” v. 6:]
Rag. Hier on jouait Scapin
Et j’ai vu qu’il vous a pris une scène.
Le Bret. Entière!
Rag. Oui, Monsieur, le fameux: “Que diable allait-il faire?”
Rag. We were doing Scapin
And I noticed he took a scene from you.
Le Bret. The entire thing!
Rag. Yes, Sir, the famous line: “What the hell was he going to do?”
In Molière, Scapin, the amusing but rascally servant of farce,
in order to obtain more money out of Géronte, the father of his
young master, Léandre, pretends that the latter has been taken
prisoner on board a Turkish galley and that the captain demands
500 crowns as ransom. Géronte in the dilemma of losing either his
money or his son, at last parts with his treasured gold, but not
without repeating several times in heartfelt sorrow, “Que diable
allait-il faire dans cette galère?”]
In Molière's play, Scapin, the funny yet sly servant of the farce, tries to get more money from Géronte, the father of his young master, Léandre, by pretending that Léandre has been captured on a Turkish ship and that the captain is asking for a ransom of 500 crowns. Géronte, caught between losing either his money or his son, eventually gives up his precious gold, but not without repeatedly saying in heartfelt sorrow, “Que diable allait-il faire dans cette galère?”
*Il ne faut qu’une brebis galeuse pour infecter tout un
troupeau = One scabby sheep will taint a whole flock.
*Il ne faut qu’une brebis galeuse pour infecter tout un
troupeau = One bad apple spoils the bunch.
*Qui se sent galeux, se gratte (fam.) = If the cap fits, wear
it. (See Morveux.)
*Qui se sent galeux, se gratte (fam.) = If the cap fits, wear it. (See Morveux.)
Quand on prend du galon on n’en saurait trop prendre = As well
be hanged for a sheep as a lamb; One cannot make too much of a
favourable opportunity.
Quand on prend du galon on n’en saurait trop prendre = As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb; You can’t take too much advantage of a good opportunity.
[This is a parody of a line in Quinault’s Roland, ii. 5: “Quand
on prend de l’amour, on n’en saurait trop prendre.”]
[This is a parody of a line in Quinault’s Roland, ii. 5: “When it comes to love, you can never have too much.”]
Il s’en donne les gants = He takes the credit of it.
Il s’en donne les gants = He takes the credit for it.
[It was the custom to give a pair of gloves to the messenger who
first brought a piece of good news.]
[It was the tradition to give a pair of gloves to the messenger who first delivered good news.]
Cela me va comme un gant = That fits me to a T; That suits me
down to the ground.
Cela me va comme un gant = That fits me perfectly; That suits me really well.
Vous voilà joli garçon! = A pretty fellow you are!
Vous voilà joli garçon! = You're a handsome guy!
Mon chien est de bonne garde = Mine is a good watch-dog.
Mon chien est de bonne garde = My dog is a good guard dog.
Ces poires sont de bonne garde = These pears will keep well.
Ces poires sont de bonne garde = These pears will last a long time.
Il n’a garde de venir = He will take care to keep away; There
is no chance of his coming.
Il n’a garde de venir = He will make sure to stay away; There's no chance of him coming.
Il vous en garde une bonne (pop.) = He is keeping a rod in
pickle for you.
Il vous en garde une bonne (pop.) = He is keeping a surprise for you.
Gardez-vous en bien! = Mind you do not do it!
Gardez-vous en bien! = Make sure you don’t do it!
Ce garçon gaspille son temps = That boy fools his time away.
Ce garçon gaspille son temps = That boy is wasting his time.
Geler à pierre fendre = To freeze very hard.
Geler à pierre fendre = To freeze solid.
Faire gémir la presse (ironic.) = To print one’s writings.
Faire gémir la presse (ironically) = To publish one’s writings.
Il est sans gêne = He is free and easy (casual, off-hand); He
makes himself too much at home.
Il est sans gêne = He is laid-back (casual, off-hand); He makes himself too comfortable.
*Où il y a de la gêne il n’y a pas de plaisir (ironic.) = There
is nothing like making one’s self at home everywhere.
*Où il y a de la gêne il n’y a pas de plaisir (ironic.) = There's nothing like feeling at home everywhere.*
Il a connu la gêne = He knows what want is.
Il a connu la gêne = He knows what wanting is.
Est-ce que je vous gêne? = Am I in your way?
Est-ce que je vous gêne? = Am I bothering you?
Ne vous gênez pas! = Do not stand upon ceremony! Make yourself
at home! Don’t mind me!
Ne vous gênez pas! = Don't be formal! Make yourself at home! Don't worry about me!
Il ne se gêne guère = Doesn’t he make himself at home! Well, he
is a cool customer!
Il ne se gêne guère = Doesn’t he make himself at home! Well, he's quite the cool character!
Il est plus gênant que gêné = His free and easy manners are
unpleasant to others, but he does not mind that.
Il est plus gênant que gêné = His relaxed and casual behavior annoys others, but he doesn't care.
*A gens de village, trompette de bois = Rough tools for rough
work.
*i lang="fr">A gens de village, trompette de bois = Basic tools for tough jobs.
*C’est là que gît le lièvre = That is the main point; There’s
the rub.
*C’est là que gît le lièvre = That’s where the issue lies; There’s the catch.
C’est un gibier de potence = He is a gallows-bird.
C’est un gibier de potence = He’s a dead man walking.
“J’aime mieux, n’en déplaise à la gloire,
Vivre au monde deux jours que mille ans dans l’histoire.”
Molière, La Princesse d’Élide, i. 2.
“I’d rather, no matter what glory might claim,
Live in the world for two days than a thousand years in history.”
Molière, La Princesse d’Élide, i. 2.
“One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.”
Sir Walter Scott, Old Mortality, Chap. 34.
“One thrilling hour of vibrant life is worth a lifetime of being unnoticed.”
Sir Walter Scott, Old Mortality, Chap. 34.
Cela me fait sortir des gonds = That exasperates (unhinges) me.
Cela me fait sortir des gonds = That really frustrates me.
Cette fumée me prend à la gorge = That smoke makes me cough,
chokes me.
Cette fumée me prend à la gorge = That smoke makes me cough, chokes me.
Il cria à pleine gorge = He cried out as loud as he could.
Il cria à pleine gorge = He shouted as loud as he could.
Il fera des gorges chaudes du malheur de sa tante = He will
chuckle over (or, make fun of) his aunt’s misfortune.
Il fera des gorges chaudes du malheur de sa tante = He will laugh at (or, make fun of) his aunt’s misfortune.
[“Prétend qu’elle en fera gorge chaude et curée.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 12.]
[“Prétend qu’elle en fera gorge chaude et curée.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iv. 12.]
Rendre gorge = To have to pay back money unjustly acquired; To
disgorge one’s ill-gotten gains.
Rendre gorge = To repay money that was wrongfully obtained; To give back one's unlawful profits.
Ce jeune homme jette sa gourme = That young man is sowing his
wild oats.
Ce jeune homme jette sa gourme = That young man is living it up.
*Des goûts et des couleurs il ne faut (pas) discuter =
There is no disputing about tastes.
Des goûts et des couleurs il ne faut (pas) discuter =
There's no arguing about taste.
*À chacun son goût = Tastes differ.
*À chacun son goût = Everyone has different tastes.
[Colloquially the à is omitted and the phrase becomes chacun
son goût. The Dictionnaire de l’Académie gives: Chacun a son
goût.]
[Colloquially the à is left out and the phrase becomes chacun son goût. The Dictionnaire de l’Académie states: Chacun a son goût.]
Je n’y vois goutte = I cannot see at all.
Je n’y vois goutte = I can't see anything at all.
*Goutte à goutte on emplit la cuve = Many a little makes a
mickle.
*Goutte à goutte on emplit la cuve = Little by little fills the tub.
*Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d’eau = They are as like
as two peas.
*Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d’eau = They look exactly alike.*
C’est une goutte d’eau dans la mer = It is a drop in the ocean.
C’est une goutte d’eau dans la mer = It's a drop in the ocean.
Boire la goutte (fam.) = To have a drop; To take a nip.
Boire la goutte (slang) = To have a drink; To take a shot.
Payer la goutte (fam.) = To stand something to drink.
Payer la goutte (slang) = To buy someone a drink.
Faites-moi grâce de vos observations, je vous en prie = Pray
spare me your remarks.
Faites-moi grâce de vos observations, je vous en prie = Please spare me your comments.
Veillez au grain = Keep a sharp look-out.
Avoir un grain de folie = To be a little cracked.
Avoir un grain de folie = To be a little crazy.
Ces plantes sont montées en graine = Those plants have run to
seed.
Ces plantes sont montées en graine = Those plants have gone to seed.
C’est de la graine de niais = That is something to deceive
fools with.
C’est de la graine de niais = That’s something to trick idiots with.
*Les grands sont les plus exposés aux coups du sort = High
winds blow on high hills.
*Les grands sont les plus exposés aux coups du sort = Strong winds hit tall hills.
Faire quelque chose en grand = To do something on a large scale.
Faire quelque chose en grand = To do something big.
Un buste de grandeur naturelle = A life-size bust.
Un buste de grandeur naturelle = A life-sized bust.
*Bon gré, mal gré = Whether you wish or not; Nolens volens;
Willy-nilly.
*Bon gré, mal gré = Whether you like it or not; Nolens volens;
Willy-nilly.
Cette maison a été vendue de gré à gré = That house was sold by
private contract.
Cette maison a été vendue de gré à gré = That house was sold through a private agreement.
Il le fera de gré ou de force = He will have to do it whether
he likes it or not.
Il le fera de gré ou de force = He'll have to do it whether he wants to or not.
Il venait moitié de gré, moitié de force = He came somewhat
reluctantly.
Il venait moitié de gré, moitié de force = He came a bit unwillingly.
De son plein gré = Of his own accord.
De son plein gré = By his own choice.
De plein gré = Voluntarily.
Nous vous en saurons bon gré = We shall be obliged to you for
it.
Nous vous en saurons bon gré = We will appreciate it.
Je me sais bon gré de ne l’avoir pas fait = I am thankful I did
not do it.
Je me sais bon gré de ne l’avoir pas fait = I’m glad I didn’t do it.
*Attacher le grelot = To bell the cat.
*i lang="fr">Attacher le grelot = To bell the cat.
[This phrase arises from the fable (La Fontaine, ii. 2)
of the rats who held a council as to how they might best defend
themselves from the cat. They resolved to hang a bell round his
neck, so that they might hear him coming and run away. But the
difficulty was to find a volunteer “to bell the cat.” In Scottish
history Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus (1449-1514), was
called Bell-the-Cat. James III. used to make favourites of
architects and masons. The Scotch nobles held a council in the
Church of Lauder for the purpose of putting down these upstarts.
Lord Gray asked who would bell the cat. “That will I,” said
Douglas, and fearlessly he put the minions to death in the King’s
presence. Compare Scott, Marmion, v. 14. The Greek
equivalent, Ξυρεῖν λέοντα (= to shave the lion) occurs
in Plato, Republic, 341 C. The refrain of Eustace Deschamps’
Ballade 58 is: “Qui pendra la sonnette au chat?”]
[This phrase comes from the fable (La Fontaine, ii. 2) about rats who held a meeting to figure out how to defend themselves from the cat. They decided to put a bell around his neck so they could hear him coming and escape. However, the challenge was finding someone willing to “bell the cat.” In Scottish history, Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus (1449-1514), was nicknamed Bell-the-Cat. James III used to favor architects and masons. The Scottish nobles gathered in the Church of Lauder to deal with these upstarts. Lord Gray asked who would bell the cat. “I will,” said Douglas, and boldly, he executed the king's favorites in front of him. See Scott, Marmion, v. 14. The Greek equivalent, Ξυρεῖν λέοντα (= to shave the lion), appears in Plato, Republic, 341 C. The refrain of Eustace Deschamps’ Ballade 58 is: “Qui pendra la sonnette au chat?”]
Il va de la cave au grenier = 1. He rambles in his talk. 2. He
writes very unevenly (up and down).
Il va de la cave au grenier = 1. He goes off on tangents in his speech. 2. He writes very inconsistently (up and down).
Il m’a pris en grippe = He has taken a dislike to me.
Il m’a pris en grippe = He's got it in for me.
Il en a vu de grises = He had an unpleasant time of it.
Il en a vu de grises = He had a really rough time.
Il lui en a fait voir de grises = He plagued him terribly.
Il lui en a fait voir de grises = He made his life a misery.
*Faute de grives on mange des merles = Half a loaf is better
than no bread. (See Aimer.)
*Faute de grives on mange des merles = Half a loaf is better than no bread. (See Aimer.)
Ils se sont dit de gros mots = They came to high words; They
insulted (slanged) one another.
Ils se sont dit de gros mots = They exchanged harsh words; They insulted each other.
La servante fait le gros de la besogne (or, la grosse
besogne) = The servant does the heavy work.
La servante fait le gros de la besogne (or, la grosse
besogne) = The servant does the heavy lifting.
Il n’a qu’un gros bon sens = He has only plain common-sense.
Il n’a qu’un gros bon sens = He has just plain common sense.
Vous avez touché la grosse corde = You have come to the main
point.
Vous avez touché la grosse corde = You've hit the main point.
Vendre en gros et en détail = To sell wholesale and retail.
Vendre en gros et en détail = To sell at wholesale and retail.
Il m’a fait faire le pied de grue pendant deux heures = He made
me wait two hours for him; I was dancing attendance on him for
two hours.
Il m’a fait faire le pied de grue pendant deux heures = He made me wait two hours for him; I was waiting on him for two hours.
[“Faites vous sus un pied toute la nuict la grue?”
Régnier, Sat. xi.]
[“Are you standing on one foot the whole night like a crane?”
Régnier, Sat. 11.
*À la guerre comme à la guerre = One must take things as they
come; We must take the rough with the smooth.
*À la guerre comme à la guerre = You have to roll with the punches; We have to take the good with the bad.
Je l’ai fait de guerre lasse = Weary of resistance I did it for
the sake of peace and quiet.
Je l’ai fait de guerre lasse = Tired of fighting it, I did it for some peace and quiet.
*Qui terre a, guerre a = Much coin, much care; Much land, many
lawsuits.
*i lang="fr">Qui terre a, guerre a = More money, more trouble; More land, more lawsuits.
[Voltaire’s variant was: “Qui plume a, guerre a.”]
[Voltaire’s version was: “Whoever has a pen has war.”]
Ça, c’est de bonne guerre = He has only used fair means to
defend himself (or, attack you); He has acted within his
rights, you cannot complain.
Ça, c’est de bonne guerre = He has only used fair means to defend himself (or, attack you); He has acted within his rights, you can’t complain.
Mener la vie à grandes guides = (lit.) To drive life four in
hand; (fig.) To live a very fast life.
Mener la vie à grandes guides = (lit.) To drive life with full control; (fig.) To live life at a fast pace.
*Qui croit guiller Guillot, Guillot le guille =
Qui croit guiller Guillot, Guillot le guille =
“He that seeks others to beguile
Is oft overtaken in his wile.”
The biter bit.
"People who attempt to fool others
"Often get trapped by their own tricks.”
The trickster gets fooled.
[“For often he that will begyle
Is gyled with the same gyle,
And thus the gyler is begyled.”
Gower, Confessio Amantis, 135.
[“Because often the one who plans to deceive
Is fooled by the same trick,
And thus the deceiver becomes the deceived.”
Gower, Confessio Amantis, 135.
“For ’tis the sport to have the enginer
Hoist with his own petar.”
Hamlet, iii. 4.]
“It's amusing to watch the manipulator
Get caught in their own scheme.”
Hamlet, iii. 4.]
Il fait (or, agit) toujours à sa guise = He always goes his
own way; He always acts according to his own sweet will.
Il fait (or, agit) toujours à sa guise = He always does what he wants; he always acts according to his own desires.
H.
*L’habit ne fait pas le moine = The cowl does not make the
friar; The coat does not make the gentleman.
*L’habit ne fait pas le moine = The clothes don't make the person; The coat doesn't define the gentleman.
Prendre l’habit = To become a monk or a nun (of the latter, To
take the veil).
Prendre l’habit = To become a monk or a nun (for the latter, to take the veil).
Ce monsieur est un de nos habitués = That gentleman is one of
our regular customers.
Ce monsieur est un de nos habitués = That guy is one of our regulars.
Cela est fait à coups de hache (or, serpe) = That is done
clumsily, roughly.
Cela est fait à coups de hache (or, serpe) = That is done clumsily, roughly.
Je les hacherais menu comme chair à pâté = I would make
mincemeat of them.
Je les hacherais menu comme chair à pâté = I would chop them up like ground meat.
J’ai couru à perte d’haleine = I ran until I was out of breath.
J’ai couru à perte d’haleine = I ran until I was breathless.
Ce sont des phrases à perte d’haleine = Those are very
long-winded sentences.
Ce sont des phrases à perte d’haleine = Those are sentences that take your breath away.
Il faut tenir les gens en haleine = One must keep the ball
rolling.
Il faut tenir les gens en haleine = You have to keep people on their toes.
C’est un ouvrage de longue haleine = It’s a long job, a heavy
piece of work.
C’est un ouvrage de longue haleine = It’s a lengthy project, a significant amount of work.
Le langage des Halles = Billingsgate.
Le langage des Halles = Billingsgate fish market.
[Also: des injures de carrefour.]
Cela rime comme hallebarde et miséricorde = That does not rhyme
at all.
Cela rime comme hallebarde et miséricorde = That doesn’t rhyme at all.
[The usual explanation of this expression is, that, on the death
of the verger of St. Eustache, one of his friends—a small
shopkeeper of the neighbourhood—wished to write an epitaph for
his tomb. Being entirely ignorant of the rules of verse, he
composed the following:—
[The common explanation of this saying is that when the verger of St. Eustache passed away, one of his friends—a local shopkeeper—wanted to write an epitaph for his grave. Lacking any knowledge of poetry rules, he wrote the following:]
“Ci-gît mon ami Mardoche
Il a voulu être enterré à Saint Eustache
Il y porta trente-deux ans la hallebarde
Dieu lui fasse miséricorde.”
(Par son ami, J. Cl. Bombet, 1727.)
“Here lies my friend Mardoche
He wished to be buried at Saint Eustache
He carried the halberd there for thirty-two years
May God have mercy on him.”
(By his friend, J. Cl. Bombet, 1727.)
But in reality the proverb is much older. It dates from the time
of the old versifiers, one of whose rules was that two consonants
followed by an e mute were sufficient to form a feminine rhyme.
This led to abuses like the above, and this rule was superseded by
another, that the vowel preceding the two consonants must be alike
in both cases.]
But actually, the proverb is much older. It goes back to the era of the ancient poets, one of whose rules stated that two consonants followed by a silent e were enough to create a feminine rhyme. This caused issues like the example above, and this rule was replaced by another one that required the vowel before the two consonants to be the same in both instances.
Dis-moi qui tu hantes, je te dirai qui tu es = A man is known
by his company; Birds of a feather flock together.
Dis-moi qui tu hantes, je te dirai qui tu es = A person is judged by the company they keep; Like-minded people stick together.
Crier haro sur quelqu’un = To raise an outcry against any one.
Crier haro sur quelqu’un = To call out against someone.
[“À ces mots on cria haro sur le baudet.”
La Fontaine, Fables, vii. 1.
[“At these words, they shouted 'haro' at the donkey.”
La Fontaine, Fables, vii. 1.
The origin of the word haro is disputed; Littré quotes Diez,
who connects it with O.H.G. hera = here. The old opinion was
that it was derived from Ha-Raoul, an appeal to Rollo, or
Hrolf, first Duke of Normandy, and a mighty lawgiver. However,
within living recollection the cry of Ha-Ro! à l’aide, mon
Prince! was used in the Channel Islands as a protection against
force and fraud, when no other defence was possible. See a
curious tale in “The Gossiping Guide to Jersey,” by J. Bertrand
Payne, London, 1863, p. 15.]
The origin of the word haro is debated; Littré cites Diez, who links it to O.H.G. hera = here. The old belief was that it came from Ha-Raoul, a call to Rollo, or Hrolf, the first Duke of Normandy and a powerful lawgiver. However, within recent memory, the cry of Ha-Ro! à l’aide, mon Prince! was used in the Channel Islands as a way to protect against force and fraud when no other defense was available. See a fascinating story in “The Gossiping Guide to Jersey,” by J. Bertrand Payne, London, 1863, p. 15.]
Il corrige le hasard = He cheats at play.
Il corrige le hasard = He cheats at games.
[“La fortune est redevenue mauvaise, il faut la corriger.”
Hamilton, Mémoires de Grammont, iii.]
[“Fortune has turned bad again, it needs to be fixed.”
Hamilton, Mémoires de Grammont, iii.
*Trop de hâte gâte tout = The more haste, the less speed.
*Trop de hâte gâte tout = More haste means less speed.
[Also: Plus on se hâte, moins on avance; Hâtez-vous lentement
(Lat. Festina lente); Assez tôt si bien; and the English
popular proverb, “Do nothing hastily save catching of fleas.”]
[Also: The more we rush, the less we progress; Hurry slowly
(Lat. Festina lente); Soon enough if done well; and the English
popular proverb, “Do nothing hastily except catching fleas.”]
*Ouvrage hâté, ouvrage gâté = Haste makes waste.
*i lang="fr">Ouvrage hâté, ouvrage gâté = Haste makes waste.
Tomber de son haut = (fig.) To be thunder-struck.
Tomber de son haut = (fig.) To be shocked or stunned.
Regarder de haut en bas = To treat contemptuously; To look down
upon with contempt.
Regarder de haut en bas = To treat someone with disdain; To look down on with scorn.
Il y a du haut et du bas dans la vie = Life has its ups and
downs.
Il y a du haut et du bas dans la vie = Life has its ups and downs.
Haut le pied! = Get lost!
*Mauvaise herbe croît toujours = Ill weeds grow apace.
Mauvaise herbe croît toujours = Bad weeds always grow quickly.
Votre rival vous coupera l’herbe sous le pied = Your rival will
cut you out, will take the wind out of your sails, will cut the
ground from under your feet.
Votre rival vous coupera l’herbe sous le pied = Your rival will throw you off balance, will take the wind out of your sails, will pull the rug out from under you.
L’herbe sera bien courte s’il ne trouve à brouter = It will go
hard if he does not pick up a living; He would live on nothing.
L’herbe sera bien courte s’il ne trouve à brouter = It will be tough if he doesn’t find something to eat; he would survive on nothing.
C’est un avocat en herbe = He is studying for the bar; He is a
sucking barrister.
C’est un avocat en herbe = He is studying for the bar; He is a rookie lawyer.
A l’heure qu’il est on ne le fait plus = Nowadays it is no
longer done.
A l’heure qu’il est on ne le fait plus = These days, it’s not done anymore.
A l’heure qu’il est il doit savoir la nouvelle = By this time
no doubt he has heard the news.
A l’heure qu’il est il doit savoir la nouvelle = By now, he must have heard the news.
Faites-le sur l’heure = Do it this very minute.
Faites-le sur l’heure = Do it right now.
Je partirai tout à l’heure = I will start presently.
Je partirai tout à l’heure = I’ll leave shortly.
Je l’ai vu tout à l’heure = I saw him just now, not long ago.
Je l’ai vu tout à l’heure = I just saw him a moment ago.
A la bonne heure! = Well done!; That’s right!; Capital!; That
is something like!
A la bonne heure! = Well done!; That’s right!; Awesome!; That’s just great!
Le quart d’heure de Rabelais = The moment of payment (or,
suspense).
Le quart d’heure de Rabelais = The moment of payment (or, suspense).
[On returning from Italy, Rabelais found himself in the south of
France with no more money to continue his journey to Paris. He
had dined well at an inn, and while waiting for his reckoning, he
packed up some dust in small packets which he labelled, “Poison
for the King,” “Poison for the Dauphin,” and so on. The innkeeper
noticing these packets and their terrible inscriptions, informed
the police, who took Rabelais to Paris free of charge to suffer
the penalty of treason. When he was brought before the King, the
monarch laughed heartily at the tale and let him go free.]
[After returning from Italy, Rabelais found himself in the south of France without enough money to continue his journey to Paris. He had enjoyed a good meal at an inn, and while waiting for his bill, he packed some dust into small packets that he labeled, “Poison for the King,” “Poison for the Dauphin,” and so on. The innkeeper, noticing these packets and their alarming labels, informed the police, who took Rabelais to Paris at no cost to him to face charges of treason. When he was brought before the King, the monarch laughed heartily at the story and let him go free.]
Passer un mauvais quart d’heure = To have a bad time of it.
Passer un mauvais quart d’heure = To have a rough time.
Voilà bien des histoires pour si peu de chose! = What a fuss
about nothing.
Voilà bien des histoires pour si peu de chose! = What a fuss about nothing.
Voilà bien une autre histoire! = That is quite another thing.
Voilà bien une autre histoire! = That's a whole different story.
Histoire (or, Chansons) que tout cela! = That is all stuff
and nonsense.
Histoire (or, Chansons) que tout cela! = That's all nonsense.
Le plus beau de l’histoire c’était qu’il n’en savait rien = The
best of the joke was he knew nothing about it.
Le plus beau de l’histoire c’était qu’il n’en savait rien = The best part of the story was that he didn’t know anything about it.
Histoire de rire = 1. For the fun of the thing. 2. It was only
a joke.
Histoire de rire = 1. For the sake of fun. 2. It was just a joke.
Hommage de l’auteur = With the author’s compliments.
Hommage de l’auteur = With the author's compliments.
*L’homme propose et Dieu dispose = Man proposes, God disposes.
*L’homme propose et Dieu dispose = People make plans, but God decides.
[Also: “L’homme s’agite et Dieu le mène.”
Fénelon, Sermon pour la Fête de l’Épiphanie, 1685.
[Also: “L’homme s’agite et Dieu le mène.”
Fénelon, Sermon pour la Fête de l’Épiphanie, 1685.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his
steps.”—Proverbs xvi. 9.
“A person plans their path, but the Lord determines their journey.” —Sayings xvi. 9.
“There’s a divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough hew them how we will.”—Hamlet, v. 2.
“There’s a greater force that affects our destinies,
Regardless of how much we attempt to control them.”—Hamlet, v. 2.
German: Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt.]
German: Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt.
*Le style c’est l’homme = Style is the man himself; Like
author, like book.
*Le style c’est l’homme = Style is the person; Like author, like book.
[“Ces choses sont hors de l’homme, le style est l’homme
même.”—Buffon, Discours de Réception à l’Académie,
1753. There has been much discussion as to what Buffon really did
write, whether le style est[143] l’homme même or le style est
DE l’homme même. In most editions after that of Didot
(1843) the latter form will be found, whilst in editions from
1800-1843 the phrase is absent altogether. In the Recueil de
l’Académie it is printed le style est l’homme même, and of this
the proofs were probably corrected by Buffon himself. There is a
small pamphlet, Discours prononcé dans l’Académie française, par
M. de Buffon, le samedi 25 août 1753, which is probably earlier
still, in which it is also printed thus. However this may be, the
phrase “le style c’est l’homme,” which Buffon assuredly did not
write, has become a French proverb, and is in everyday use.]
[“These things are beyond man; style is man himself.” —Buffon, Reception Speech at the Academy, 1753. There's been a lot of debate about what Buffon actually wrote, whether le style est[143] l’homme même or le style est DE l’homme même. In most editions after Didot's (1843), the latter version can be found, while in editions from 1800-1843, the phrase is completely missing. In the Recueil de l’Académie, it appears as le style est l’homme même, and the proofs for this were likely corrected by Buffon himself. There is a small pamphlet, Speech Delivered at the French Academy by M. de Buffon on Saturday, August 25, 1753, which is probably even earlier, and it also prints it this way. Whatever the case, the phrase “le style c’est l’homme,” which Buffon definitely did not write, has become a French proverb and is used in everyday conversation.]
Nous jouons pour l’honneur = We are playing for love.
Nous jouons pour l’honneur = We are playing for honor.
*Un homme d’honneur n’a que sa parole = An honest man’s word is
as good as his bond.
*Un homme d’honneur n’a que sa parole = An honest man's word is his bond.*
Il fait honneur à ses affaires (comm.) = He meets all his
engagements.
Il fait honneur à ses affaires (comm.) = He honors all his commitments.
Il ne prétend à votre fille qu’en tout bien tout honneur = He
has honourable intentions towards your daughter.
Il ne prétend à votre fille qu’en tout bien tout honneur = He has honorable intentions for your daughter.
Nous lui avons fait honte = 1. We caused him to feel ashamed of
himself. 2. He was ashamed of us.
Nous lui avons fait honte = 1. We made him feel ashamed of himself. 2. He felt ashamed of us.
*Jamais honteux n’eut belle amie = Faint heart never won fair
lady.
*Jamais honteux n’eut belle amie = A timid person never won a beautiful woman.
*Il n’y a que les honteux qui perdent = Nothing ask, nothing
have.
*Il n’y a que les honteux qui perdent = You don't ask, you don't get.*
Hors ligne = Standing out from the rest; Out of the common run;
Beyond comparison; Incomparable.
Hors ligne = Standing out from the crowd; Uncommon; Unmatched; In a league of its own.
Ce peintre est hors concours = That artist is no longer a
competitor (having already received the highest award).
Ce peintre est hors concours = That artist is out of the competition (having already received the top award).
*Qui compte sans son hôte compte deux fois = He who reckons
without his host must reckon again.
Qui compte sans son hôte compte deux fois = Those who don’t consider their host need to recalculate.
Sentir l’huile = To smell of the lamp (of poetry, etc.).
Sentir l’huile = To have the scent of the lamp (of poetry, etc.).
Il tirerait de l’huile d’un mur = He would skin a flint, get
blood from a stone. (See Cheveux and Œuf.)
Il tirerait de l’huile d’un mur = He would squeeze blood from a stone. (See Cheveux and Œuf.)
[Aquam a pumice postulare.—Plautus.]
Request water from pumice.—Plautus.
De l’huile de bras = Elbow grease.
De l’huile de bras = Hard work.
A huis clos = With closed doors; in camera.
A huis clos = Behind closed doors; in private.
I.
Cette petite fille est sage comme une image = That little girl
is very quiet, is as good as gold.
Cette petite fille est sage comme une image = That little girl is very quiet, as good as gold.
Faire l’homme d’importance = To play the consequential; To give
oneself airs; To be pompous.
Faire l’homme d’importance = To act important; To put on airs; To be pretentious.
Qu’importe? = No matter! It is of no consequence.
Whatever! It doesn’t matter.
Que m’importe? = What is that to me?
What does that matter to me?
Peu importe = It does not much matter.
Peu importe = It doesn't really matter.
Venez n’importe quand = Come at any time, no matter when,
whenever you please.
Venez n’importe quand = Come at any time, whenever you want.
*A l’impossible nul n’est tenu = There is no doing
impossibilities; No living man all things can.
A l’impossible nul n’est tenu = You can't do the impossible; No human can do everything.
Les grévistes mirent cette boutique à l’index = The strikers
boycotted that shop.
Les grévistes mirent cette boutique à l’index = The strikers boycotted that shop.
[The Index Expurgatorius is a list of books compiled for the
Pope which Roman Catholics are forbidden to read.]
[The Index Expurgatorius is a list of books created for the Pope that Roman Catholics are not allowed to read.]
Ils se sont dit mille injures = They abused one another like
pickpockets.
Ils se sont dit mille injures = They insulted each other like thieves.
Vous lui faites injure = You wrong him.
Vous lui faites injure = You insult him.
Je m’inscris en faux contre cette assertion = I emphatically
deny the truth of that assertion.
Je m’inscris en faux contre cette assertion = I strongly reject that claim.
Il sortit à mon insu = He went out without my knowing it.
Il sortit à mon insu = He left without me knowing.
Vivre en bonne intelligence avec quelqu’un = To live on good
terms with some one.
Vivre en bonne intelligence avec quelqu’un = To get along well with someone.
*L’intention est réputée pour le fait = The will is taken for
the deed.
*L’intention est réputée pour le fait = The intention is considered as the action.
J’ai mis ce livre de côté à voire intention = I put that book
on one side especially for you (to read, to see).
J’ai mis ce livre de côté à voire intention = I set that book aside just for you (to read, to check out).
J.
Au grand jamais = Never, no never.
Il court à toutes jambes = He is running as fast as his legs
will carry him.
Il court à toutes jambes = He is running as fast as he can.
[Compare: à toute bride, à toute vapeur, à toute vitesse.]
[Compare: at full gallop, at full steam, at full speed.]
Il a pris ses jambes à son cou = He took to his heels.
Il a pris ses jambes à son cou = He ran away.
Il a joué des jambes = He took to flight.
Il a joué des jambes = He took off.
Il a des jambes de quinze ans = He still walks well.
Il a des jambes de quinze ans = He still walks fine.
Cela ne lui rend pas la jambe mieux faite! (ironic.) = And a
lot of good that will do him!
Cela ne lui rend pas la jambe mieux faite! (ironic.) = And that's really going to help him!
Cela vous ferait une belle jambe (ironic.) = A fine lot of good
that will do you.
Cela vous ferait une belle jambe (ironic.) = That won't do you any good.
Il a les jambes en manche de veste (fam.) = He is bow-legged.
Il a les jambes en manche de veste (fam.) = He is bow-legged.
Il le fera par dessous la jambe = He will do it with the
greatest ease (or, carelessly).
Il le fera par dessous la jambe = He will do it effortlessly (or, casually).
Il a des fourmis dans les jambes = He is fidgety, restless.
Il a des fourmis dans les jambes = He can't sit still, he's restless.
Jaune comme un coing = As yellow as a guinea.
Jaune comme un coing = As yellow as a quince.
Être gros Jean comme devant = To be no better off than one was
before, in spite of all one’s efforts.
Être gros Jean comme devant = To be no better off than you were before, despite all your efforts.
[Rabelais, Pantagruel, iv. second prologue, and La
Fontaine, Fables, vii. 10.]
[Rabelais, Pantagruel, iv. second prologue, and La Fontaine, Fables, vii. 10.]
Il jette son argent par les fenêtres = He plays ducks and
drakes with his money.
Il jette son argent par les fenêtres = He wastes his money.
C’est jeter de l’huile sur le feu = It is adding fuel to the
fire (flames).
C’est jeter de l’huile sur le feu = It's making things worse.
*Jeu qui trop dure ne vaut rien (Charles d’Orléans) = Too much
of a good thing is bad.
Jeu qui trop dure ne vaut rien (Charles d’Orléans) = Too much of a good thing is bad.
C’est vieux jeu = That is quite old-fashioned.
C’est vieux jeu = That is pretty outdated.
Ne me mettez pas en jeu = Do not mix me up in it.
Ne me mettez pas en jeu = Don't involve me in it.
Cela passe le jeu = That is beyond a joke.
Cela passe le jeu = That's no laughing matter.
*Jeu de mains, jeu de vilains = 1. Horse-play is not
gentlemanly. 2. Rough play often ends in tears.
*Jeu de mains, jeu de vilains = 1. Horseplay isn't classy. 2. Rough play usually ends in tears.
Il fait bonne mine à mauvais jeu = He puts a good face on the
matter; He makes the best of a bad job.
Il fait bonne mine à mauvais jeu = He puts on a brave face; He makes the best of a bad situation.
*A beau jeu beau retour = One good turn deserves another.
A beau jeu beau retour = One good deed deserves another.
Nous sommes à deux de jeu = We are even; We are a match for
each other; Two can play at that game.
Nous sommes à deux de jeu = We're even; We're a match for each other; Two can play that game.
Je vous donne beau jeu = (lit.) I give you good cards; (fig.) I
give you a good opportunity; I play into your hands.
Je vous donne beau jeu = (lit.) I give you good cards; (fig.) I give you a great opportunity; I’m making it easy for you.
Jouer gros jeu = (lit.) To play for high stakes; (fig.) To risk
very much in an attempt.
Jouer gros jeu = (lit.) To play for high stakes; (fig.) To take significant risks in an endeavor.
Cela n’est pas du jeu = 1. That is not fair, not cricket; You
are not playing the game. 2. That was not agreed upon.
Cela n’est pas du jeu = 1. That’s not fair, that’s not how it’s done; You’re not following the rules. 2. That wasn’t part of the agreement.
*Qui jeune n’apprend, rien ne saura = An old dog will learn no
tricks. (See Jeunesse.)
*Qui jeune n’apprend, rien ne saura = An old dog won't learn new tricks. (See Jeunesse.)
*Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait = If only the young
had experience and the old strength; If things were to be done
twice, all would be wise.
*i lang="fr">If youth knew, if age could = If only the young had experience and the old had strength; If things could be done twice, everyone would be wise.
Ce que poulain prend en jeunesse, il le continue en vieillesse =
“’Tis education forms the common mind.
Just as the twig is bent the tree’s inclined.”
[Pope, Moral Essays, i. 149.]
What a young horse learns, it continues as an adult =
“Education shapes the average mind.
Just as the twig is bent, so the tree will bend.”
[Pope, Moral Essays, i. 149.]
Youth and white paper take any impression.
Young people and blank paper take in everything around them.
[Also: Vieil arbre mal aisé à redresser. Compare the English,
“Old dogs are hard to train.” (See Jeune.)
[Also: Vieil arbre mal aisé à redresser. Compare the English, “Old dogs are hard to train.” (See Jeune.)
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not depart from it.”—Proverbs xxii. 6.]
“Guide a child in the right way, and when they grow up, they won’t stray from it.”—Sayings xxii. 6.]
Il faut que jeunesse se passe = Boys will be boys.
Il faut que jeunesse se passe = Boys will be boys.
Un rabat-joie = A mar-joy; A wet blanket.
Un rabat-joie = A party pooper; A buzzkill.
Il joua de son reste = He played his last card; He was on his
last legs.
Il joua de son reste = He played his last card; He was at the end of his rope.
[Carefully distinguish this from Jouir de son reste = To make
the most of one’s remaining time.]
[Carefully distinguish this from Jouir de son reste = To make the most of one’s remaining time.]
Il joue au plus sûr = He plays a safe game.
Il joue au plus sûr = He plays it safe.
Jouer de malheur = To have a run of ill-luck.
Jouer de malheur = To have a streak of bad luck.
Jouer serré = To act cautiously; To leave nothing to chance.
Jouer serré = To play it safe; To not leave anything to chance.
Ces gens vivent au jour le jour = Those men live from day to
day, from hand to mouth.
Ces gens vivent au jour le jour = Those people live day to day, from paycheck to paycheck.
*À chaque jour suffit sa peine = Sufficient unto the day is the
evil thereof.
*À chaque jour suffit sa peine = Each day has enough trouble of its own.*
Je suis à jour = I am up to date; I am not behind in my work.
Je suis à jour = I’m current; I’m not falling behind in my work.
*Tôt ou tard la vérité se fait jour = Sooner or later the truth
will come out.
*Tôt ou tard la vérité se fait jour = Eventually, the truth will come to light.
C’est le jour et la nuit = They are as different as chalk and
cheese.
C’est le jour et la nuit = They are completely different.
Il n’est si long jour qui ne vienne à vêpres =
“Be the day weary, be the day long,
At length it ringeth to evensong.”
Il n’est si long jour qui ne vienne à vêpres =
“Whether the day is tiring or dragging on,
Eventually, it will call for evening prayer.”
[From a poem by Stephen Hawes, a poet of the reign of Henry VII.
[From a poem by Stephen Hawes, a poet of the reign of Henry VII.]
“Come what come may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.”
Macbeth, i. 3.
“No matter what happens,
Time and fate will see us through the hardest days.”
Macbeth, i. 3.
And:
Come day, go day,
God brings Sunday.]
And:
Day comes, day goes,
God brings Sunday.
A bon jour, bonne œuvre = The better the day, the better the
deed.
A bon jour, bonne œuvre = The better the day, the better the deed.
*Ce n’est pas tous les jours fête = 1. Christmas comes but once
a year. 2. One cannot always have “a high old time,” but must
work as well. 3. Life is not all beer and skittles.
*Ce n’est pas tous les jours fête = 1. Christmas happens only once a year. 2. You can't always be having fun; you have to work too. 3. Life isn't all about having a good time.
D’aujourd’hui en huit = This day week.
D’aujourd’hui en huit = A week from today.
Il y a aujourd’hui huit jours = This day last week.
Il y a aujourd’hui huit jours = This time last week.
En plein jour = In broad daylight.
En plein jour = In broad daylight.
Il y a quinze ans jour pour jour = It was fifteen years ago to
the very day.
Il y a quinze ans jour pour jour = It was exactly fifteen years ago.
Prendre jour = To agree upon a day for an appointment.
Prendre jour = To set a date for an appointment.
*De fou juge briève (brève) sentence = A fool’s bolt is soon
shot.
*De fou juge briève (brève) sentence = A fool’s bolt is shot quickly.
Juger sur l’étiquette du sac = To judge by appearances, by the
exterior.
Juger sur l’étiquette du sac = To judge by appearances, by the exterior.
Le vert jure avec le jaune = Green does not match with yellow;
Green clashes with yellow.
Le vert jure avec le jaune = Green clashes with yellow; Green doesn’t go well with yellow.
Jurer comme un templier (charretier, païen) = To swear like a
trooper.
Jurer comme un templier (charretier, païen) = To curse like a sailor.
Au plus juste prix = At the lowest price.
Au plus juste prix = At the best price.
Comme de juste = Rightly enough.
[Littré condemns this expression as ungrammatical, giving the
correct form as: comme il est juste. It is, however, almost
universally used.]
[Littré condemns this expression as ungrammatical, giving the correct form as: comme il est juste. It is, however, almost universally used.]
Passer à pleines voiles à travers les mailles de la justice =
To drive a coach-and-four through an Act of Parliament.
Passer à pleines voiles à travers les mailles de la justice = To bypass the law with ease.
[Also: Il est facile de donner une entorse à la loi.]
[Also: It's easy to break the law.]
La justice ne connaît personne = Justice is no respecter of
persons.
La justice ne connaît personne = Justice does not favor anyone.
L.
Je jette là mon soufflet avec dépit = I fling aside my bellows
in disgust.
Je jette là mon soufflet avec dépit = I toss aside my bellows in frustration.
[É. Souvestre, Le Philosophe sous les toits.]
[É. Souvestre, The Philosopher under the Roofs.]
Nous sommes allés chercher de la laine et nous sommes revenus
tondus = We went out to shear and returned shorn; The biter bit.
Nous sommes allés chercher de la laine et nous sommes revenus
tondus = We went out to shear and came back shorn; What goes around comes around.
Cela laisse à désirer = There is room for improvement; It is
not quite the thing.
Cela laisse à désirer = There's room for improvement; it's not quite right.
Je ne laisse pas d’être inquiet = In spite of all that, I am
anxious.
Je ne laisse pas d’être inquiet = Despite everything, I feel anxious.
[Here we have the old meaning of laisser (= laxare) to leave off.
Hence, I do not leave off being anxious.]
[Here we have the old meaning of laisser (= laxare) to stop.
So, I don’t stop being anxious.]
C’est à prendre ou à laisser = You must take it or leave it;
It’s a case of Hobson’s choice.
C’est à prendre ou à laisser = You have to take it or leave it;
It’s a situation where you have no real choice.
Il se laissa faire = He offered no resistance.
Il se laissa faire = He didn’t resist.
*“Je vis de bonne soupe et non de beau langage” = “Fair words
butter no parsnips.”
*“Je vis de bonne soupe et non de beau langage” = “Nice words don’t get you anywhere.”
[The French is found in Molière, Les Femmes Savantes,
ii. 7, and the English equivalent in Wycherley, Plain
Dealer, v. 3.
[The French is found in Molière, Les Femmes Savantes, ii. 7, and the English equivalent in Wycherley, Plain Dealer, v. 3.]
Also: C’est un bel instrument que la langue.]
Also: It's a beautiful instrument that is language.]
Ils tiraient la langue = (lit.) They put their tongues out;
(fig.) They showed signs of distress.
Ils tiraient la langue = (lit.) They stuck their tongues out;
(fig.) They showed signs of frustration.
Il a la langue trop longue = He cannot hold his tongue.
Il a la langue trop longue = He can't keep his mouth shut.
Il a la langue bien pendue = He has the gift of the gab.
Il a la langue bien pendue = He’s a smooth talker.
Jeter sa langue aux chiens = To give up guessing (conundrums,
etc.). (See Chat.)
Jeter sa langue aux chiens = To stop trying to guess (riddles, etc.). (See Chat.)
La langue lui a fourché = He made a slip of the tongue.
La langue lui a fourché = He made a slip of the tongue.
Il veut nous faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes = He
would have us believe that the moon is made of green cheese.
Il veut nous faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes = He wants us to think that the moon is made of green cheese.
Prendre le large = To run for the offing (nav.); To run away.
Prendre le large = To escape (nautical); To run away.
Au large = In the open sea. (See Plein.)
Au large = In the open sea. (See Plein.)
Ils s’entendent comme larrons en foire = They are as thick as
thieves.
Ils s’entendent comme larrons en foire = They get along like thieves.
*L’occasion fait le larron = Opportunity makes the thief; Keep
yourself from opportunities and God will keep you from sins.
*L’occasion fait le larron = Opportunity makes the thief; Stay away from opportunities and God will keep you from sin.
[“How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
Makes ill deeds done.”
Shakespeare, King John, iv. 2.]
["How often seeing tools for doing wrong
Leads to those wrong actions being taken.”
Shakespeare, King John, iv. 2.]
Latin de cuisine = Dog Latin.
Latin de cuisine = Dog Latin.
J’y perds mon latin = I cannot make it out; I am nonplussed; I
can make neither head nor tail of it.
J’y perds mon latin = I can’t figure it out; I’m stumped; I can’t make sense of it.
Être au bout de son latin (or, rouleau) = To be at one’s
wits’ end; Not to know what to do, or say, next.
Être au bout de son latin (or, rouleau) = To be at one's wits' end; Not knowing what to do or say next.
Je lui ai dit la chose en toutes lettres = I told him the
matter plainly.
Je lui ai dit la chose en toutes lettres = I told him the thing clearly.
Ne prenez pas ce que je dis au pied de la lettre = Do not take
what I say literally.
Don't take what I say literally = Don't take what I say literally.
J’en lèverais la main = I would swear to it; I would take my
oath to it.
J’en lèverais la main = I would swear to it; I would take my oath to it.
[The oath in courts of justice is taken in many countries with the
right hand raised, palm outwards. In England we kiss a Bible.]
[In many countries, people take oaths in court with their right hand raised, palm facing out. In England, we kiss a Bible.]
Le président leva la séance = The chairman dissolved the
meeting; The Speaker left the chair.
Le président leva la séance = The chairman ended the meeting; The Speaker left the chair.
*À qui se lève matin Dieu prête la main = It is the early bird
that catches the worm.
À qui se lève matin Dieu prête la main = The early bird catches the worm.
J’avais le mot sur le bord des lèvres (or, au bout de la
langue) = I had the word at the tip of my tongue.
J’avais le mot sur le bord des lèvres (or, au bout de la langue) = I had the word on the tip of my tongue.
Il n’a pas un rouge liard = He has not a brass farthing. (See
Radis.)
Il n’a pas un rouge liard = He doesn't have a red penny. (See Radis.)
C’est là que gît le lièvre = That is the main point; There’s
the rub.
C’est là que gît le lièvre = That’s the main point; There’s the catch.
*Il ne faut pas courir deux lièvres à la fois = You must not
have too many irons in the fire.
*Il ne faut pas courir deux lièvres à la fois = You shouldn't try to do too many things at once.
Il a une mémoire de lièvre = He has a memory like a sieve.
Il a une mémoire de lièvre = He has a memory like a sieve.
[Also: Il est comme les lièvres, il perd la mémoire en courant.]
[Also: He's like hares; he forgets everything while running.]
Il veut prendre les lièvres au son du tambour = He makes a
great noise about what should be kept secret; He divulged a plan
which to succeed had to be kept secret.
Il veut prendre les lièvres au son du tambour = He makes a lot of noise about what should be kept private; He revealed a plan that needed to stay secret for it to work.
C’est un homme hors ligne = He is a first-rate man. (See
Hors.)
C’est un homme hors ligne = He is an outstanding man. (See Hors.)
Il est en première ligne = He is in the front rank.
Il est en première ligne = He is at the forefront.
Il a une tête de linotte = He is a hare-brained fellow.
Il a une tête de linotte = He is a scatterbrained guy.
Traduire à livre ouvert = To translate at sight.
Traduire à livre ouvert = To translate on sight.
Revenir de loin = 1. To come back from a distant place. 2. To
recover from a very severe illness.
Revenir de loin = 1. To return from far away. 2. To bounce back from a serious illness.
De loin en loin = At long intervals.
De loin en loin = After a long time.
*Tout s’use à la longue = Everything wears out in time.
Tout s’use à la longue = Everything wears out over time.
[Tout passe, tout casse, tout lasse.]
Everything fades, everything breaks, everything gets boring.
Il se promenait de long en large = He was walking up and down,
to and fro.
Il se promenait de long en large = He was walking back and forth.
Il en sait trop long = He knows too much.
Il en sait trop long = He knows too much.
Il m’a raconté la chose tout au long = He told me every detail
of the affair.
Il m’a raconté la chose tout au long = He shared every detail of the situation with me.
Il était étendu tout de son long = He was lying at full length.
Il était étendu tout de son long = He was lying down flat.
Longer la côte = To hug the shore.
Longer la côte = To stay close to the shore.
Ce procès traîne en longueur = That lawsuit is dragging on
slowly.
Ce procès traîne en longueur = That lawsuit is taking forever.
*Qui se loue s’emboue = Self-praise is no recommendation.
*Qui se loue s’emboue = Self-praise doesn’t count as a recommendation.
Il marche à pas de loup = He walks stealthily.
Il marche à pas de loup = He walks quietly.
Il est connu comme le loup blanc = He is known to every one.
Il est connu comme le loup blanc = He is known by everyone.
*Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue (or, il sort du
bois) = Speak of angels and you hear their wings; Talk of the
devil, he is sure to appear.
*Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue (or, il sort du
bois) = Speak of angels and you hear their wings; Talk of the
devil, he is sure to show up.
*Le loup mourra dans sa peau = A bad thing never dies; A bad
man will die a bad man.
*Le loup mourra dans sa peau = A bad thing never dies; A bad man will die a bad man.
[Lupus pilum mutat non mentem. Erasmus (Adagia 989) gives the
Greek origin of this saying, ὁ λύκος τὴν τρίχα οὐ τὴν
γνώμην ἀλλάττει, but he quotes no author.]
[Lupus pilum mutat non mentem. Erasmus (Adagia 989) gives the Greek origin of this saying, ὁ λύκος τὴν τρίχα οὐ τὴν γνώμην ἀλλάττει, but he quotes no author.]
Tenir le loup par la queue = To have hold of the sow by the
wrong ear.
Tenir le loup par la queue = To have hold of the pig by the wrong ear.
On fait toujours le loup plus gros qu’il n’est = A tale never
loses in the telling.
On fait toujours le loup plus gros qu’il n’est = A story always gets bigger in the telling.
*Il faut hurler avec les loups = When we are at Rome we must
do as Rome does; You must do as others do; He who kennels with
wolves must howl.
*Il faut hurler avec les loups = When in Rome, do as the Romans do; You should follow the crowd; Those who run with wolves must howl.
[“Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. xv. 33). Paul
quoted this iambic line form Menander’s “Thais,” “φθείρουσιν ἤθη
χρῆσθ᾽ ὁμιλίαι κακαί.”
[“Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. xv. 33). Paul quoted this line from Menander’s “Thais,” “φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρῆσθ᾽ ὁμιλίαι κακαί.”]
The proverb about Rome is said to have originated with St.
Ambrose, who, when he was asked by St. Augustine whether he should
fast on Saturday or not when he was at Rome, although he was not
accustomed to do so when at home, replied: “When I am at home I
do not fast on Saturday; but when I am at Rome I do, and I think
you should follow the custom of every city you visit, if you would
avoid scandal.” From this reply originated the hexameter: Cum Romæ
fueris Romano vive more = When you shall be at Rome, live after
the Roman fashion.]
The saying about Rome is believed to have come from St. Ambrose. When St. Augustine asked him whether he should fast on Saturday while he was in Rome, even though it wasn't something he usually did at home, Ambrose answered: “I don’t fast on Saturdays at home; but when I’m in Rome, I do, and I think you should follow the customs of each city you visit if you want to avoid causing a scandal.” This response led to the phrase: Cum Romæ fueris Romano vive more = When you are in Rome, live as the Romans do.
Tenir le loup par les oreilles = To be in a critical situation;
To have caught a Tartar.
Tenir le loup par les oreilles = To be in a tough spot; To have bitten off more than you can chew.
[“Auribus lupum teneo.”—Terence, Phormio, iii. 2, 21.]
[“I have the wolf by the ears.”—Terence, Phormio, iii. 2, 21.]
Il fait un froid de loup = It is terribly cold.
Il fait un froid de loup = It is extremely cold.
*Les loups ne se mangent pas entre eux = Dog does not eat dog;
There is honour among thieves. (See Corsaire.)
*Les loups ne se mangent pas entre eux = Dogs don't turn on each other;
There's a code of honor among thieves. (See Corsaire.)
Renfermer le loup dans la bergerie = To set the fox to keep the
geese.
Renfermer le loup dans la bergerie = To put the fox in charge of the geese.
Ils se sont mis dans la gueule du loup = They rushed into the
lion’s mouth.
Ils se sont mis dans la gueule du loup = They walked right into danger.
C’est un vieux loup de mer = He is an old sea dog.
C’est un vieux loup de mer = He’s a seasoned sailor.
Faire la Saint-Lundi
Fêter Saint Lundi
Faire le Lundi |
} |
= To do no work on Monday. |
Faire un trou à la lune = “To shoot the moon”; To flee from
one’s creditors. (See Cloche.)
Faire un trou à la lune = “To shoot the moon”; To run away from one’s creditors. (See Cloche.)
Vouloir prendre la lune avec les dents = To attempt
impossibilities.
Vouloir prendre la lune avec les dents = To try to do the impossible.
[“Prendre la lune aux dents serait moins difficile.”
La Fontaine, Le Roi Candaule.]
[“Biting the moon would be less challenging.”
La Fontaine, Le Roi Candaule.]
M.
Je ne lui ai pas mâché la chose = I did not mince matters with
him.
Je ne lui ai pas mâché la chose = I didn't sugarcoat things with him.
Je lui ai donné sa besogne toute mâchée = I gave him his work
all ready cut out; I made his work as easy as possible for him.
Je lui ai donné sa besogne toute mâchée = I handed him his work all laid out; I made his job as straightforward as I could for him.
Elle fait la Madame = She gives herself airs (of little girls).
Elle fait la Madame = She acts superior (like little girls do).
Mi-mai, queue d’hiver = The middle of May has usually three
cold days (called Les saints de glace, May 11, 12, and 13).
Mi-mai, queue d’hiver = Mid-May usually has three chilly days (known as Les saints de glace, May 11, 12, and 13).
Faire maigre = To abstain from meat.
Faire maigre = To avoid eating meat.
Faire maigre chère = To have poor fare.
Faire maigre chère = To have a meager meal.
Maigre comme un clou = As thin as a lath.
Maigre comme un clou = As thin as a nail.
Il n’a ni sou ni maille = He has not got a rap, a brass
farthing.
Il n’a ni sou ni maille = He doesn’t have a dime to his name.
Avoir maille à partir avec quelqu’un = To have a bone to pick
(a crow to pluck) with some one.
Avoir maille à partir avec quelqu’un = To have a bone to pick with someone.
[Maille (= mite) was the smallest coin in France, and therefore
could not be divided. Hence the saying means to have a quarrel
with some one. Notice the old meaning of partir in this idiom =
to divide (Lat. partiri).]
[Maille (= mite) was the smallest coin in France, and therefore could not be divided. Hence the saying means to have a quarrel with someone. Notice the old meaning of partir in this idiom = to divide (Lat. partiri).]
Maille à maille se fait l’haubergeon = Many a little makes a
mickle. (See Goutte and Petit.)
Maille à maille se fait l’haubergeon = Little by little, a lot gets done. (See Goutte and Petit.)
Donnez-moi une poignée de main = Shake hands with me.
Donnez-moi une poignée de main = Shake hands with me.
Donnez-moi un coup de main = Give me a helping hand.
Donnez-moi un coup de main = Give me some help.
Vous n’y allez pas de main morte = You hit with a vengeance;
You don’t do things by halves.
Vous n’y allez pas de main morte = You go all out;
You don’t do things halfway.
Avoir un poil dans la main = To be very lazy (so that hair
grows on the palm of the hand).
Avoir un poil dans la main = To be extremely lazy (to the point that hair grows on the palm of your hand).
Avoir la main heureuse = To be lucky at cards (or, at other
things).
Avoir la main heureuse = To have good luck in cards (or in other things).
Avoir la main rompue à quelque chose = To be well versed at
something.
Avoir la main rompue à quelque chose = To be skilled at something.
Je le connais de longue main = I have known him for a long time.
Je le connais de longue main = I've known him for a long time.
Il disparut en un tour de main = He disappeared in an instant,
in a twinkling.
Il disparut en un tour de main = He vanished in a flash, in a heartbeat.
Il a une chambre grande comme la main = He has a room not big
enough to swing a cat in.
Il a une chambre grande comme la main = He has a room too small to swing a cat in.
En venir aux mains = To come to blows.
En venir aux mains = To get into a fight.
Bas les mains = Hands off.
Les deux armées en sont aux mains = The two armies are in close
combat, have come to close quarters.
Les deux armées en sont aux mains = The two armies are in close combat, have come to close quarters.
Je me perds la main = I am getting rusty.
Je me perds la main = I'm getting out of practice.
Je tirais au pistolet pour me faire la main = I practised
pistol-shooting to get my hand in.
Je tirais au pistolet pour me faire la main = I was practicing shooting with a pistol to improve my skills.
Il y a mis la dernière main = He put the finishing touch to it.
Il y a mis la dernière main = He added the final touch to it.
Il a fait cela haut la main = He did it with the greatest ease.
Il a fait cela haut la main = He did it effortlessly.
Mettre la main à la pâte = To put one’s shoulder to the wheel;
To set to (a special piece of) work oneself.
Mettre la main à la pâte = To put in the effort;
To get involved in (a specific task) oneself.
Les voleurs firent main basse sur tous mes effets = The thieves
laid hands on all my things.
Les voleurs firent main basse sur tous mes effets = The thieves grabbed all my stuff.
Pour cela je vous baise les mains = As for that I will not do
it; “No, thank you!”
Pour cela je vous baise les mains = As for that I will not do it; “No, thank you!”
J’en mettrais la main au feu = I would swear to it; I would
stake my life on it; I would take my dying oath about it.
J’en mettrais la main au feu = I’d bet my life on it; I would swear to it; I’d take my last breath to prove it.
[A reference to trial by ordeal.]
[A reference to trial by ordeal.]
Je n’en peux mais! = I cannot help it!
Je n’en peux mais! = I can't help it!
[Mais is here an adverb, and shows its derivation from the Latin
magis. The phrase literally means: “I can do no more.”]
[Mais is an adverb here, derived from the Latin magis. The phrase literally means: “I can do no more.”]
Faire maison neuve (or, nette) = To change all one’s servants.
Faire maison neuve (or, nette) = To replace all of one’s servants.
Il fait des demandes par dessus les maisons = He makes most
unreasonable demands.
Il fait des demandes par dessus les maisons = He makes incredibly unreasonable demands.
*Tel maître, tel valet = Like master, like man.
*Tel maître, tel valet = Like master, like servant.
[Or: Tel couteau, tel fourreau.
German: Wie der Herr, so der Knecht.]
Like master, like servant.
C’est une maîtresse femme = She is a superior woman.
C’est une maîtresse femme = She is an exceptional woman.
[One who manages her business or subordinates capably, makes her
servants obey her and do their work well, and is respected by
them.]
[One who effectively manages her business or team, ensures her employees follow her directives and perform their tasks well, and earns their respect.]
*À qui mal veut, mal arrive = Harm watch, harm catch; Curses,
like chickens, come home to roost.
*À qui mal veut, mal arrive = Harm watch, harm catch; Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.
[This proverb is said to be of Turkish origin. The Spanish
equivalent is: “Who sows thorns, let him not walk barefoot.” Comp.
Psalms cix. 17.]
[This proverb is believed to have Turkish origins. The Spanish equivalent is: “Whoever sows thorns should not walk barefoot.” Comp. Psalms cix. 17.]
J’ai mal au cœur = I feel sick.
J’ai mal au cœur = I feel nauseous.
Vous prenez tout en mal = You put a wrong construction on
everything.
Vous prenez tout en mal = You misunderstand everything.
Elle s’est trouvée mal = She fainted.
Elle s’est trouvée mal = She felt faint.
Elle est au plus mal = She is past recovery.
Elle est au plus mal = She is beyond help.
Sa sœur aînée n’est pas mal = Her elder sister is not
bad-looking.
Sa sœur aînée n’est pas mal = Her older sister is pretty attractive.
*Aux grands maux les grands remèdes = Desperate diseases
require desperate remedies.
*i lang="fr">Aux grands maux les grands remèdes = Serious problems require serious solutions.
*À quelque chose malheur est bon = It is an ill wind that blows
no one any good.
*À quelque chose malheur est bon = Every bad situation has a silver lining.*
[“À quelque chose sert le malheur.”
Montaigne, Essais, ii. 17.]
[“Bad luck serves a purpose.”
Montaigne, Essais, ii. 17.
Pour surcroît (or, comble) de malheur il tomba malade = To
crown his misfortunes he fell ill.
Pour surcroît (or, comble) de malheur il tomba malade = To make matters worse, he got sick.
*Un malheur ne vient jamais seul = Misfortunes never come
singly; It never rains but it pours.
Un malheur ne vient jamais seul = Misfortunes never come all by themselves; It never rains without pouring.
[Ital. Benedetto è quel male, che vien solo = Blessed is that
misfortune which comes alone.]
[Ital. Benedetto è quel male, che vien solo = Blessed is that misfortune which comes alone.]
Il n’est qu’heur et malheur = That’s the way of the world.
Il n’est qu’heur et malheur = That’s just how life is.
C’est un manant = He is a coarse, ill-educated boor.
C’est un manant = He is a rude, unrefined person with no education.
[From manens = one remaining fixed to the soil, a villein, serf.]
[From manens = one who remains bound to the land, a peasant, serf.]
Il branle dans le manche (or, au manche) = He is no longer
firmly established in his post; He is irresolute.
Il branle dans le manche (or, au manche) = He is no longer secure in his position; He is uncertain.
*Jeter le manche après la cognée = To throw the rope after the
bucket; To give up in despair.
*Jeter le manche après la cognée = To give up on something after it’s already too late; to surrender in hopelessness.*
Je ne me ferai pas tirer par la manche = I shall not require
much pressing.
Je ne me ferai pas tirer par la manche = I'm not going to need much urging.
C’est une autre paire de manches = That is quite another thing;
That is a horse of another colour, another pair of shoes.
C’est une autre paire de manches = That's a whole different situation;
That's a horse of a different color, another set of circumstances.
J’ai gagné la première manche = I won the first game (out of
two or more).
J’ai gagné la première manche = I won the first round (out of two or more).
Je l’ai dans ma manche = I have him at my disposal.
Je l’ai dans ma manche = I have him ready when I need him.
Il mange comme quatre = He eats like an ogre.
Il mange comme quatre = He eats a lot.
Il a mangé son pain blanc le premier = He had the happiest part
of his life first. (See Pain.)
Il a mangé son pain blanc le premier = He enjoyed the best part of his life first. (See Pain.)
Manger son blé en herbe = To anticipate one’s revenue.
Manger son blé en herbe = To plan ahead for one’s income.
Il a mangé de la vache enragée = He has suffered many
privations.
Il a mangé de la vache enragée = He has gone through a lot of hardships.
Il est très inquiet, il en perd le boire et le manger = He is
very anxious, he has lost his appetite.
Il est très inquiet, il en perd le boire et le manger = He is really anxious; he has lost his appetite.
Je l’ai rossé de la belle manière (fam.) = I gave him a sound
thrashing.
Je l’ai rossé de la belle manière (fam.) = I gave him a good beating.
Vous me manquez = I miss you.
Vous me manquez = I miss you.
Je vous manque = You miss me.
Je vous manque = You miss me.
Il a manqué d’être pris = He was nearly caught.
Il a manqué d’être pris = He almost got caught.
C’est un avocat manqué = He is a would-be barrister; He is a
failure as a barrister.
C’est un avocat manqué = He is a failed lawyer; He has not succeeded as a lawyer.
C’est un garçon manqué = She is a tomboy.
C’est un garçon manqué = She’s a tomboy.
Ce serait manquer d’usage = That would be a breach of good
manners.
Ce serait manquer d’usage = That would be disrespectful.
Il ne manquait plus que cela! = That crowns all! That is the
last straw!
Il ne manquait plus que cela! = That's the final straw! That's all I needed!
C’est un marchand de soupe = He is a regular Squeers.
C’est un marchand de soupe = He is just like Squeers.
[This is said of a private schoolmaster who, far from regarding
his profession as an honourable one, follows it solely with a view
to profit, by having few and inferior assistants and by feeding
his pupils cheaply and badly (thus making a profit on the soup).
He looks upon teaching as the least important part of his work. Of
course, this race of men is now entirely extinct.]
[This describes a private schoolteacher who, rather than seeing his job as something honorable, only does it for profit. He has a small number of low-quality assistants and provides his students with cheap and poor food (thereby making a profit on the soup). He views teaching as the least important aspect of his role. Obviously, this type of person is now completely gone.]
Par dessus le marché = Into the bargain; Over and above.
Par dessus le marché = On top of that; Additionally.
Il m’a mis le marché à la main = He told me I could take it or
leave it; He made me decide one way or the other.
Il m’a mis le marché à la main = He told me it was take it or leave it; He forced me to choose one way or another.
Est-ce marché fait? = Is it a bargain?
Vous en êtes quitte à bon marché = You came off cheaply.
Vous en êtes quitte à bon marché = You got off easy.
Vous aurez bon marché de lui = You will easily get the better
of him.
Vous aurez bon marché de lui = You will have no trouble getting the better of him.
Je fais bon marché de cela = I hold that very cheap.
Je fais bon marché de cela = I think very little of that.
On n’a jamais bon marché d’une mauvaise marchandise = A bad
thing is dear at any price; The best is the cheapest in the end.
On n’a jamais bon marché d’une mauvaise marchandise = A bad thing isn't worth the price; in the end, the best is the cheapest.
*Ce qui vient de flot s’en retourne de marée = Fortune is as
quick in going as in coming. (See Flûte.)
*i lang="fr">What comes in with the tide goes out with the tide = Fortune is as quick to leave as it is to arrive. (See Flûte.)
Il se plaint que la mariée est trop belle = He complains that
he has got too good a bargain.
Il se plaint que la mariée est trop belle = He complains that he has scored too good a deal.
Faire bouillir la marmite = To keep the pot boiling.
Faire bouillir la marmite = To keep things running smoothly.
Chacun a sa marotte = Every one has his hobby.
Chacun a sa marotte = Everyone has their hobby.
[Marotte is a kind of sceptre or rattle with a head on the end,
furnished with bells, which jesters carry.]
[Marotte is a type of scepter or rattle with a head on the end, equipped with bells, which jesters carry.]
*Mars venteux et Avril pluvieux
Font le Mai gai et gracieux =
March winds and April showers
Make way for May flowers.
*Mars venteux et Avril pluvieux
Make May joyful and graceful =
March winds and April rains
Prepare the way for May blooms.
*Mieux vaut être marteau qu’enclume = Better be striker than
struck.
*i lang="fr">Mieux vaut être marteau qu’enclume = It's better to be the hammer than the nail.
Être entre l’enclume et le marteau = To be in a dilemma; To be
between the devil and the deep sea.
Être entre l’enclume et le marteau = To be in a dilemma; To be between a rock and a hard place.
Graisser le marteau = To tip the porter.
Graisser le marteau = To give a tip to the porter.
[There is the same idea in “Palm oil.”]
[There is the same idea in “Palm oil.”]
Il s’est mis martel en tête = He made himself very uneasy.
Il s’est mis martel en tête = He got himself all worked up.
Il est d’une humeur massacrante = He is as cross as two sticks.
Il est d’une humeur massacrante = He is in a terrible mood.
Il est bien enfoncé dans la matière = He is very coarse, very
prosaic.
Il est bien enfoncé dans la matière = He is very rough, very ordinary.
La table des matières = The table of contents (of a book).
La table des matières = The table of contents (for a book).
Il partira un de ces quatre matins = He will start one of these
fine days.
Il partira un de ces quatre matins = He'll leave one of these days.
Traiter quelqu’un de Turc à Maure = To treat a person brutally.
Traiter quelqu’un de Turc à Maure = To treat someone harshly.
[As the Turks treated the Moors when they conquered the north of
Africa. See Molière, Précieuses Ridicules, 10.]
[As the Turks treated the Moors when they conquered the north of Africa. See Molière, Précieuses Ridicules, 10.]
*À laver la tête d’un Maure (or, d’un âne, or, d’un nègre)
on y perd sa lessive = To endeavour to teach a fool is a waste
of time.
*À laver la tête d’un Maure (or, d’un âne, or, d’un nègre) on y perd sa lessive = Trying to teach a fool is a waste of time.
Il a éventé (or, vendu) la mèche = He has let the cat out
of the bag; He has blown the gaff.
Il a éventé (or, vendu) la mèche = He has revealed the secret; He has spilled the beans.
Il n’y a pas mèche (pop.) = “It’s no go”; There is no doing it.
Il n’y a pas mèche (pop.) = "It's a no-go"; There's no way to do it.
C’est le revers de la médaille = That is the dark side of the
picture.
C’est le revers de la médaille = That’s the downside of the situation.
S’il pleut le jour de St. Médard,
Il pleut quarante jours plus tard.
S’il pleut le jour de St. Gervais,
Il pleut quarante jours après =
“St Swithin’s day, gif ye do rain
For forty days will it remain.”
If it rains on St. Médard's day,
It will rain in forty days.
If it rains on St. Gervais's day,
Il pleuvra quarante jours après =
“St. Swithin’s day, if it rains
For forty days it will stay.”
[Le jour de St. Médard = June 8.
Le jour de St. Gervais = June 19.
St. Swithin’s Day = July 15.]
[St. Médard's Day = June 8.
St. Gervais's Day = June 19.
St. Swithin's Day = July 15.]
Voilà trois médecins qui ne vous trompent pas:
Gaîté, doux exercice et modeste repas =
The best physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merriman.
Here are three doctors you can trust:
Joy, light exercise, and a simple meal =
The best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merriman.
*La méfiance est mère de la sûreté = Safe bind, safe find.
*La méfiance est mère de la sûreté = Trust cautiously, find safely.
[La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 18.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 18.]
Il buvait à même la bouteille = He was drinking out of the
bottle itself.
Il buvait à même la bouteille = He was drinking straight from the bottle.
[This is an inversion for à la bouteille même. Boire à même
is not usually used of cups or glasses, but of bottles, jugs,
streams, etc. For it implies that the containing vessel itself
is being used to drink out of, and not any smaller vessel. Thus
boire à même le verre would suggest that a spoon or smaller
receptacle was not used.]
[This is an inversion for à la bouteille même. Boire à même is typically not used for cups or glasses, but for bottles, jugs, streams, etc. It means that you're drinking directly from the container itself, rather than using a smaller container. So, boire à même le verre would imply that a spoon or smaller receptacle wasn't used.]
Il est à même de vous comprendre = He is able to understand you.
Il est à même de vous comprendre = He can understand you.
Cela revient au même = That comes to the same thing.
Cela revient au même = It's all the same.
C’est cela même = That is the very thing.
C’est cela même = That's exactly it.
Faites de même = Do the same.
Faites de même = Do the same.
Ils font bon ménage = They live happily together.
Ils font bon ménage = They get along well together.
Elle fait le ménage = She is doing her housework.
Elle fait le ménage = She is doing her cleaning.
*Qui veut voyager loin ménage sa monture = Who wishes to go far
spares his horse; He who wishes to live long avoids excess.
*Qui veut voyager loin ménage sa monture = Whoever wants to travel far takes care of their horse; Those who want to live long steer clear of excess.
[Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
[Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
*A beau mentir gui vient de loin = A traveller may lie with
impunity; Travellers tell fine tales.
*A beau mentir gui vient de loin = Travelers can lie without consequences; Travelers tell great stories.*
Quasi et presque empêchent les gens de mentir = Almost and very
nigh save many a lie.
Quasi et presque empêchent les gens de mentir = Almost and very nearly prevent many lies.
Québec, c’est Saint-Malo à s’y méprendre (Max O’Rell) = You
could easily mistake Quebec for St. Malo.
Québec, c’est Saint-Malo à s’y méprendre (Max O’Rell) = You could easily mistake Quebec for St. Malo.
*Ce n’est pas la mer à boire = It is not an impossibility; It
is not so very difficult after all.
Ce n’est pas la mer à boire = It's not a big deal; It's not that hard after all.
*Porter de l’eau à la mer = To carry coals to Newcastle.
*Porter de l’eau à la mer = To carry coals to Newcastle.
Remplir son mérite = To act up to one’s reputation.
Remplir son mérite = To live up to one’s reputation.
*On ne prend pas les vieux merles à la pipée = Old birds are
not to be caught with chaff.
*On ne prend pas les vieux merles à la pipée = You can't fool old birds with nonsense.
Il se porte à merveille = He is in splendid health.
Il se porte à merveille = He is in great health.
*Près du moûtier, à messe le dernier = The nearer the church,
the farther from God.
*Près du moûtier, à messe le dernier = The closer you are to the church, the farther away you feel from God.
Il nous a servi un plat de son métier (or, de sa façon) = He
played us one of his tricks.
Il nous a servi un plat de son métier (or, de sa façon) = He played us one of his tricks.
*“À chacun son métier et les vaches seront bien gardées”
(Florian, Fables, i. 12) = Let the cobbler stick to
his last.
*“To each their own job, and the cows will be well taken care of”
(Florian, Fables, i. 12) = Let the cobbler stick to his trade.
[“Ne sutor ultra crepidam” (judicet).]
"Don't judge beyond your expertise."
Mettez cent francs = Make it £4.
Mettez cent francs = Make it £4.
Il se mettrait en quatre pour ses amis = He would do anything
for his friends.
Il se mettrait en quatre pour ses amis = He would do anything for his friends.
Il se met bien = He dresses well.
Il se met bien = He looks good.
On veut nous mettre dedans (fam.) = They want to entrap us, to
take us in.
On veut nous mettre dedans (fam.) = They want to trap us, to pull us in.
Chercher midi à quatorze heures = To make (or, seek)
difficulties where there are none; To look for grapes on thorns.
Chercher midi à quatorze heures = To create (or, search for) problems where there are none; To look for grapes on thorns.
[This expression has its origin in the old custom, still in
use in some parts of Italy, of reckoning the hours of the day
consecutively from 1 to 24, beginning at sunset. Hence, noon
may vary from the 16th to the 20th hour, but is never the 14th.
Voltaire’s epigram for a sun-dial is very well known, but may bear
repetition:—
“Vous qui vivez dans ces demeures,
Êtes-vous bien? tenez-vous y,
Et n’allez pas chercher midi
À quatorze heures.”]
[This saying comes from an old tradition, still practiced in some parts of Italy, where the hours of the day are counted from 1 to 24, starting at sunset. As a result, noon can fall anywhere between the 4 PM and 8 PM mark, but it is never at 2 PM. Voltaire’s witty remark about a sundial is quite famous, but it’s worth repeating:—
“You who live in these homes,
Are you doing okay? Are you happy,
And don’t go searching for noon
At two PM.”]
Chacun connaît midi à sa porte = Each one knows his own
business best.
Chacun connaît midi à sa porte = Everyone knows their own business best.
J’y ai mis du mien, mettez-y du vôtre = I have given way a bit,
meet me half-way; I have done my share at it, now it’s your turn.
J’y ai mis du mien, mettez-y du vôtre = I've put in my effort, now you put in yours; I've done my part, now it's your turn.
*Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien = Leave well alone.
*Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien = Leave it as it is.*
Ils criaient à qui mieux mieux = Each was trying to shout
louder than the other; Each tried to drown the others’ voices.
Ils criaient à qui mieux mieux = Everyone was trying to shout louder than the others; each one tried to drown out the others’ voices.
Je ne demande pas mieux = Nothing would give me greater
pleasure.
Je ne demande pas mieux = Nothing would make me happier.
Elle est mieux que sa sœur = She is prettier than her sister.
Elle est mieux que sa sœur = She is better looking than her sister.
Faute de mieux = For want of something better.
Faute de mieux = For lack of something better.
Tant mieux = So much the better.
Il est au mieux avec son médecin = He is on the best terms with
his doctor.
Il est au mieux avec son médecin = He gets along great with his doctor.
On ne peut mieux = As well as possible; It could not be better.
On ne peut mieux = As well as possible; It couldn't be better.
Vous arrivez on ne peut mieux = You could not have come at a
more opportune moment.
Vous arrivez on ne peut mieux = You couldn't have arrived at a better time.
Le juste milieu = The golden mean.
Le juste milieu = The golden mean.
Au beau milieu = In the very midst.
Au beau milieu = Right in the middle.
Vertu gît au milieu = Do not rush into extremes.
Vertu gît au milieu = Don't go to extremes.
[In medio tutissimus ibis = Allez par le milieu et vous ne
tomberez pas. Compare the English: When slovenly girls get tidy,
they polish the bottoms of saucepans.]
[In medio tutissimus ibis = Stick to the middle, and you won't fall. Compare the English: When messy girls clean up, they shine the bottoms of pots.]
Faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu = To put a good face on the
matter; To make the best of a bad job.
Faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu = To put on a brave face; To make the best of a bad situation.
If fait mine de ne pas comprendre = He pretends not to
understand.
If fait mine de ne pas comprendre = He acts like he doesn't understand.
Il nous a fait mauvaise (or, grise) mine = He looked black
(sour) at us; He did not receive us well.
Il nous a fait mauvaise (or, grise) mine = He gave us a dirty look; He didn't welcome us well.
Cet homme a très mauvaise mine = 1. That man looks a regular
ruffian. 2. That man looks very ill.
Cet homme a très mauvaise mine = 1. That man looks like a total thug. 2. That man looks really sick.
Il ne paye pas de mine = His appearance is against him.
Il ne paye pas de mine = He doesn't look impressive.
Ne jugez pas sur la mine = Do not judge by appearances.
Ne jugez pas sur la mine = Don't judge by appearances.
[“Garde-toi, tant que tu vivras,
De juger des gens sur la mine.”
La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 5.]
[“Be careful, as long as you live,
Not to judge people by their looks.”
La Fontaine, Fables, vi. 5.]
Elle fait la mine = She is sulking.
Elle fait la mine = She's pouting.
Elle est ma tante à la mode de Bretagne = She is my father’s
(or, mother’s) first cousin; She is my first cousin once
removed.
Elle est ma tante à la mode de Bretagne = She is my dad's
(or, mom's) first cousin; She is my first cousin once removed.
Elle est ma nièce à la mode de Bretagne = She is the daughter
of my first cousin.
Elle est ma nièce à la mode de Bretagne = She is the daughter of my first cousin.
[These phrases are used of any very distant relationship.]
[These phrases refer to any very distant relationship.]
C’est là son moindre défaut = That is not a great weakness of
hers (or, his); That is the last thing you can reproach her
(or, him) with.
C’est là son moindre défaut = That's not a big flaw of hers (or, his); That's the last thing you can blame her (or, him) for.
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 1.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 1.]
Deux moineaux sur même épi ne sont pas longtemps amis = Two of
a trade seldom agree.
Deux moineaux sur même épi ne sont pas longtemps amis = People in the same business rarely get along.
[“Καὶ κεραμεὺς κεραμεῖ κοτέει και τέκτονι τέκτων
Καὶ πτωχὸς πτωχῷ φθονέει καὶ ἀοιδὸς ἀοιδῶ.”
Hesiod, Opera et dies, 25.]
["And the potter envies the potter and the carpenter the carpenter,
And the poor man envies the poor man, and the singer envies the singer."
Hesiod, Works and Days, 25.]
Il tire sa poudre aux moineaux = He wastes his trouble for
nothing.
Il tire sa poudre aux moineaux = He spends his effort for no reason.
Tous les 36 du mois = Once in a blue moon.
Tous les 36 du mois = Once in a blue moon.
C’est vieux comme le monde = It is as old as the hills.
C’est vieux comme le monde = It's as old as time.
Vous dites des choses de l’autre monde = You say most
out-of-the-way things.
Vous dites des choses de l’autre monde = You say the most unusual things.
Il y a un monde fou = There is a terrible crowd. (See Fou.)
Il y a un monde fou = There's a crazy crowd. (See Fou.)
Vous moquez-vous du monde de parler ainsi? = Are you making fun
of people (are you serious) in speaking thus? Do you take people
for a pack of fools?
Vous moquez-vous du monde de parler ainsi? = Are you seriously talking like this? Do you think people are a bunch of fools?
Si vous obtenez cinq francs, c’est le bout du monde = If you
get five francs, it is the utmost; You will get five francs at
the very outside.
If you get five francs, it’s the end of the world = If you get five francs, that's the most; You’ll get five francs at most.
Si elle a trente ans c’est tout le bout du monde = She may be
thirty at the very outside.
If she's thirty, that's really pushing it. = She may be thirty at the very outside.
On ne peut contenter tout le monde et son père = One cannot
satisfy everybody, all the world and his wife.
On ne peut contenter tout le monde et son père = You can't please everyone.
[“Parbleu, dit le meunier, est bien fou du cerveau
Qui prétend contenter tout le monde et son père.”
La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 1.]
["Wow," said the miller, "he's really lost it.
Who does he think he is, trying to please everyone and their dad?”
La Fontaine, Fables, iii. 1.]
Il lui a rendu la monnaie de sa pièce = He paid him back in his
own coin.
Il lui a rendu la monnaie de sa pièce = He got back at him in the same way.
Par monts et par vaux = Up hill and down dale.
Par monts et par vaux = Up and down hills and valleys.
À grande montée grande descente = The higher the rise, the
greater the fall; He who climbs too high is near a fall.
À grande montée grande descente = The higher the rise, the greater the fall; Those who reach for the top are close to a downfall.
[“Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself.”
Shakespeare, Macbeth, i. 7.
“Ambition that goes too far.”
Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 7.
Also: La Roche Tarpéienne est près du Capitole.]
Also: La Roche Tarpéienne est près du Capitole.]
Montrer le soleil avec un flambeau = To paint the lily; To hold
a farthing rushlight to the sun.
Montrer le soleil avec un flambeau = To paint the lily; To hold a penny candle up to the sun.
Se mordre les doigts = To repent what one has done.
Se mordre les doigts = To regret what one has done.
Se mordre la langue = To repent what one has said.
Se mordre la langue = To regret what one has said.
Il est mort de sa belle mort = He died a natural death.
Il est mort de sa belle mort = He died a peaceful death.
Il est à l’article de la mort = He is at the point of death, at
death’s door.
Il est à l’article de la mort = He is on the brink of death, at death's door.
Quand on compte sur les souliers d’un mort on risque de marcher
pieds nus = It’s an ill thing to wait for dead men’s shoes; He
pulls with a long rope that waits for another’s death.
Quand on compte sur les souliers d’un mort on risque de marcher
pieds nus = It's a bad idea to rely on what belongs to the dead; he’s pulling with a long rope that depends on someone else's death.
[Also: Qui s’attend à l’écuelle d’autrui risque fort de mal
dîner.]
[Also: Those who expect others to share their bowl risk having a bad dinner.]
Avoir la mort dans l’âme = To be grieved to death; To be
overwhelmed with grief.
Avoir la mort dans l’âme = To be heartbroken; To be overwhelmed with sorrow.
*Qui se sent morveux se mouche (pop.) = If the cap fits, wear
it. (See Galeux.)
*i lang="fr">Qui se sent morveux se mouche (pop.) = If the shoe fits, wear it. (See Galeux.)
Ils en sont venus aux gros mots = They came to high words.
Ils en sont venus aux gros mots = They resorted to name-calling.
*Qui ne dit mot consent = Silence gives consent.
*Qui ne dit mot consent = Silence gives consent.*
Il a toujours le mot pour rire = He is ever ready with a joke;
He is full of fun.
Il a toujours le mot pour rire = He always has a joke ready;
He is full of fun.
Il a 40,000 francs de rente au bas mot = He has £1600 a year at
the very least.
Il a 40,000 francs de rente au bas mot = He has £1,600 per year at the very least.
*À bon entendeur demi-mot suffit (or, salut) = A word to the
wise is enough; Verbum sap.
*À bon entendeur demi-mot suffit (or, salut) = A word to the wise is enough; Verbum sap.
Il entend à demi-mot = He can take a hint.
Il entend à demi-mot = He picks up on hints.
Ils se sont donné le mot = They have passed the word round;
They have agreed before-hand what to say.
Ils se sont donné le mot = They have spread the word;
They have agreed in advance on what to say.
Tranchons le mot = In plain English; Not to mince matters; To
put it plainly.
Tranchons le mot = To say it plainly; No beating around the bush; To put it simply.
C’est mon dernier mot = That is the last concession I can make;
I will not take less.
C’est mon dernier mot = That's the final offer I can make;
I won't accept anything less.
Il sait le fin mot de tout cela = He understands the upshot of
all this.
Il sait le fin mot de tout cela = He knows the real deal about all this.
Ne soufflez pas mot! = Do not breathe a word!
Ne soufflez pas mot! = Don't say a word!
En deux mots = To cut a long story short.
En deux mots = To put it briefly.
Des mots longs d’une toise = Words as long as your arm.
Des mots longs d’une toise = Words as long as your arm.
[Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
[Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]
Je ne mâche pas mes mots = I don’t mince matters; I call a
spade a spade.
Je ne mâche pas mes mots = I don’t hold back; I say it like it is.
Les grosses mouches passent à travers la toile de la justice,
mais les petites y sont prises = One man may steal a horse,
while another dare not look over the hedge; Justice will whip a
beggar, but bow to a lord; One does the scath, another has the
harm; The crow gets pardoned, and the dove has the blame.
Big flies get through the web of justice, but small ones get caught = One person can steal a horse, while another wouldn't even dare to peek over the fence; Justice punishes a beggar but bows to a noble; One suffers the consequences, while another has the damage; The crow gets a pass, and the dove takes the heat.
[“Où la guêpe a passé, le moucheron demeure.”
La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 16.
[“Where the wasp has passed, the gnat remains.”
La Fontaine, Fables, ii. 16.
“Quidquid delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi.”
Hor., Ep., i. 2.
“Whatever the kings are crazy about, the Greeks pay the price.”
Hor., Ep., i. 2.
Italian: Un fa il peccato, l’altro la penitenza.]
Italian: Un fa il peccato, l’altro la penitenza.
*Vous faites d’une mouche un éléphant = You make a mountain out
of a molehill.
*i lang="fr">You make a mountain out of a molehill = You make a big deal out of nothing.
[“Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.”
Horace, Ars Poetica.]
[“Mountains labor, and a ridiculous mouse is born.”
Horace, Ars Poetica.
Quelle mouche vous pique? = What irritates you? What whim have
you got into your head?
Quelle mouche vous pique? = What’s bothering you? What idea did you get stuck in your head?
Il a pris la mouche = He is in a huff; He got offended.
Il a pris la mouche = He’s upset; He took offense.
*On prend plus de mouches avec du miel qu’avec du vinaigre =
More is done by kindness than by harshness.
*On prend plus de mouches avec du miel qu’avec du vinaigre = More flies are caught with honey than with vinegar.*
C’est une fine mouche = He is a sly dog, a deep one.
C’est une fine mouche = He is a clever guy, a shrewd one.
C’est la mouche du coche = He is a regular busybody; The worst
wheel makes the most noise. (See Coche and Bruit.)
C’est la mouche du coche = He's a relentless meddler; the loudest wheel is often the most problematic. (See Coche and Bruit.)
Faire mouche = To hit the bull’s eye.
Faire mouche = To hit the target.
Il viendra moudre à notre moulin = He will be in want of us
some day.
Il viendra moudre à notre moulin = He will need us someday.
C’est un vrai moulin à paroles = She is a regular chatterbox;
He is a regular windbag.
C’est un vrai moulin à paroles = She is a total chatterbox; He is a complete windbag.
Il m’a fait monter la moutarde au nez = He irritated me; He
made me lose my temper.
Il m’a fait monter la moutarde au nez = He got on my nerves; He made me lose my temper.
C’est de la moutarde après dîner = It comes too late to be of
any use; It is a day after the fair.
C’est de la moutarde après dîner = It comes too late to be of any use; It’s a day after the event.
[“Depugnato proelio venire.”—Plautus, Menaechmi, v. 6,
30.
[“They come to fight.”—Plautus, Menaechmi, v. 6, 30.]
“Κατόπιν τῆς ἑορτῆς ἥκεις” = You have come after the
feast.—Plato, Gorgias.]
“After the feast, you have arrived.” —Plato, Gorgias.
Il se croit le premier moutardier du pape = He thinks no small
beer of himself.
Il se croit le premier moutardier du pape = He thinks highly of himself.
*Revenons à nos moutons = But to return to our subject.
Revenons à nos moutons = But let's get back to our topic.
[From an old farce of the fifteenth century, Maistre Pierre
Pathelin, verse 1191, attributed without foundation to Pierre
Blanchet. M. F. Génin in his edition (1854) gives 1460 as the
date, and Antoine de la Sale as the author. It was adapted in 1706
by Brueys and Palaprat, under the title of L’Avocat Patelin. See
also Régnier, Sat., ii.]
[From an old farce of the fifteenth century, Maistre Pierre Pathelin, verse 1191, wrongly credited to Pierre Blanchet. M. F. Génin in his edition (1854) states that 1460 is the date, and Antoine de la Sale is the author. It was adapted in 1706 by Brueys and Palaprat, under the title L’Avocat Patelin. See also Régnier, Sat., ii.]
Il n’y a pas moyen = It cannot be done.
Il n’y a pas moyen = It can't be done.
Il fait valoir ses moyens = 1. He makes the best of his
talents. 2. He boasts of his talents.
Il fait valoir ses moyens = 1. He showcases his skills. 2. He brags about his talents.
Cet enfant a peu de moyens = That child is not clever.
Cet enfant a peu de moyens = That child is not clever.
Je l’ai mis au pied du mur = I drove him into a corner; I made
him decide one way or the other.
Je l’ai mis au pied du mur = I backed him into a corner; I forced him to choose one way or the other.
*Muraille blanche, papier de fou = Fools write their names on
walls.
*Muraille blanche, papier de fou = Fools write their names on walls.
[Late Latin: Stultorum calami, carbones mœnia chartae.]
[Late Latin: Stultorum calami, carbones mœnia chartae.]
Il est réglé comme un papier de musique = He is as regular as
clockwork.
Il est réglé comme un papier de musique = He is as regular as clockwork.
N.
Je suis tout en nage = I am in a thorough perspiration; I have
not a dry thread on me.
Je suis tout en nage = I am sweating profusely; I don't have a dry spot on me.
Faire la navette = To go to and fro between two places several
times.
Faire la navette = To commute back and forth between two places multiple times.
Avoir quelque chose pour des nèfles (fam.) = To buy something
for a mere song.
Avoir quelque chose pour des nèfles (slang) = To get something for next to nothing.
Vous me donnez sur les nerfs = You get on my nerves; You rile
me (fam.).
Vous me donnez sur les nerfs = You’re getting on my nerves; You annoy me (informal).
Mettez cela au net = Make a fair copy of that.
Mettez cela au net = Clean that up.
Il a les mains nettes (fig.) = He is honest; His hands are
clean.
Il a les mains nettes (fig.) = He is honest; His hands are clean.
Refuser net = To refuse point-blank.
Il a un pied de nez (fam.) = He pulls a long face, looks
foolish.
Il a un pied de nez (fam.) = He looks ridiculous, making a long face.
Il a fait un pied de nez (fam.) = He put his fingers to his
nose; “He cut a snook.”
Il a fait un pied de nez (fam.) = He waved his fingers in front of his nose; “He was being cheeky.”
Ce coup l’a fait saigner du nez = That blow made his nose bleed.
Ce coup l’a fait saigner du nez = That hit made his nose bleed.
Il a saigné du nez = (lit.) His nose bled; (fig.) His heart
failed him.
Il a saigné du nez = (lit.) His nose bled; (fig.) He lost heart.
A vue de nez = By rule of thumb.
A vue de nez = By estimation.
Il veut toujours fourrer son nez partout (fam.) = He wants to
have his finger in every pie. (See Fourrer.)
Il veut toujours fourrer son nez partout (fam.) = He wants to be involved in everything. (See Fourrer.)
On voulait lui tirer les vers du nez = They wished to pump him.
On voulait lui tirer les vers du nez = They wanted to extract information from him.
Vous vous y casserez le nez = 1. You will fall on your face. 2.
You will knock up against something. 3. You will fail in that.
Vous vous y casserez le nez = 1. You will fall flat on your face. 2. You will bump into something. 3. You will fail at that.
Porter le nez au vent = To stare about aimlessly.
Porter le nez au vent = To look around without purpose.
Il me regarda sous le nez = He stared me in the face.
Il me regarda sous le nez = He looked me in the eye.
Il me l’a jeté au nez = He cast it in my teeth.
Il me l’a jeté au nez = He threw it in my face.
Il a le nez fin = 1. He has a good nose. 2. He is far-sighted,
sagacious.
Il a le nez fin = 1. He has a sharp sense of smell. 2. He is insightful and wise.
Qui coupe son nez dégarnit son visage = It is an ill bird that
fouls its own nest; He who cuts off his nose spites his own face.
Qui coupe son nez dégarnit son visage = It's a foolish person who harms their own interests; cutting off your nose just ends up hurting yourself.
[Also: S’arracher le nez pour faire dépit à son visage.]
[Also: Tearing off your nose to spite your face.]
Il me ferma la porte au nez = He shut the door in my face.
Il me ferma la porte au nez = He slammed the door in my face.
Il lui en pend autant au nez = He may expect as much (something
unpleasant); He will fare no better.
Il lui en pend autant au nez = He can expect the same (something unpleasant); He won't have it any better.
On n’a plus trouvé que le nid = They found the birds flown.
On n’a plus trouvé que le nid = They found the nest empty.
Elle fait la sainte Nitouche = She plays the innocent; She
looks as if butter would not melt in her mouth; She looks very
demure.
Elle fait la sainte Nitouche = She acts all innocent; She looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth; She appears very modest.
[Sainte Nitouche is derived from sainte n’y touche, shortened
from une sainte qui n’y touche pas. See Toucher.]
[Sainte Nitouche comes from sainte n’y touche, which is a shortened form of une sainte qui n’y touche pas. See Toucher.]
Je n’ai jamais été à pareille noce (or, fête) = I never had
such a time of it.
Je n’ai jamais été à pareille noce (or, fête) = I've never had a time like this.
Il a fait la noce toute la semaine = He has had a high old time
of it all the week; He has been on the spree all the week.
Il a fait la noce toute la semaine = He has been partying all week; He has been on a bender all week.
[Literally, to enjoy oneself as if one were a guest at a
wedding, where there is plenty of merriment, food, and drink.]
[Literally, to have a great time as if one were a guest at a
wedding, where there is lots of fun, good food, and drinks.]
Je ne suis pas à la noce = I am not enjoying myself at all.
Je ne suis pas à la noce = I’m not having a good time at all.
*Tant crie l’on Noël qu’il vient (Villon) = Long looked for
comes at last; That is coming—like Christmas.
*Tant crie l’on Noël qu’il vient (Villon) = Long looked for comes at last; That is coming—like Christmas.
Quand Noël est vert, les Pâques seront blanches = When the
winter is mild, the spring will be wintry.
Quand Noël est vert, les Pâques seront blanches = When Christmas is green, Easter will be white.
Voir tout en noir = To look on the black side of things; To
have the blues.
Voir tout en noir = To see everything negatively; To feel down.
[Opposite to: voir tout en rose, or, voir tout couleur de
rose.]
[Opposite to: voir tout en rose, or, voir tout couleur de rose.]
Broyer du noir = To have the blues; To feel very sad.
Broyer du noir = To feel down; To be really sad.
Nom d’un petit bonhomme! (fam.) = By Jingo!
Nom d’un petit bonhomme! (fam.) = Wow!
Voilà un nom à coucher dehors (avec un billet de logement
dans la poche) = That’s a name too ugly for words; That’s an
outlandish name if you like.
Voilà un nom à coucher dehors (avec un billet de logement
dans la poche) = That’s a name too ugly to mention; That’s a bizarre name if you ask me.
Tout fait nombre = Every little helps.
Tout fait nombre = Every little bit counts.
C’est répondre en Normand = That is an evasive answer.
C’est répondre en Normand = That's a vague answer.
Elle dit qu’elle a vingt ans.—Et les mois de nourrice! (fam.)
= She says she is twenty.—And the rest!
Elle dit qu’elle a vingt ans.—Et les mois de nourrice! (fam.)
= She says she's twenty.—And all that!
Goûtez-moi ce vin; vous m’en direz des nouvelles (fam.) = You
just taste this wine, you don’t get wine like that every day;
What do you think of that for wine, my boy?
Goûtez-moi ce vin; vous m’en direz des nouvelles (fam.) = Just taste this wine; you don't find wine like this every day. What do you think of that for wine, my boy?
Tomber des nues = To be astounded.
Tomber des nues = To be shocked.
*Ce qui nuit à l’un sert à l’autre = What is one man’s meat is
another man’s poison.
*Ce qui nuit à l’un sert à l’autre = What benefits one person harms another.*
*La nuit porte conseil = Time will show a plan; Sleep upon it;
Seek advice of your pillow.
*La nuit porte conseil = Time will reveal a solution; Sleep on it; Consult your pillow for advice.
O.
Se fourrer le doigt dans l’œil (pop.) = To deceive oneself
blindly.
Se fourrer le doigt dans l’œil (pop.) = To naively trick oneself.
[Sometimes jusqu’au coude is added.]
[Sometimes jusqu’au coude is added.]
Il a les yeux au beurre noir (pop.) = He has a couple of black
eyes; He has his eyes in mourning.
Il a les yeux au beurre noir (pop.) = He has two black eyes; He looks like he's mourning.
[Also: Il à les yeux pochés.]
Je ne vois pas cela d’un bon œil = I do not look favourably
upon that.
Je ne vois pas cela d’un bon œil = I don't think that's a good idea.
Cela saute aux yeux = That is evident, obvious; It is as clear
as noonday.
Cela saute aux yeux = That is obvious; it’s as clear as day.
Je l’ai regardé entre les deux yeux = I looked him straight in
the face; I stared at him.
Je l’ai regardé entre les deux yeux = I looked him right in the eyes; I stared at him.
Entrer à l’œil dans un théâtre (fam.) = To get into a
theatre on the nod (i.e. gratis).
Entrer à l’œil dans un théâtre (fam.) = To get into a theater for free (i.e. gratis).
Avoir le compas dans l’œil = To have a good eye for
distances.
Avoir le compas dans l’œil = To have a good sense of distance.
Elle a des yeux à la perdition de son âme = Her eyes are so
lovely that they will be her ruin.
Elle a des yeux à la perdition de son âme = Her eyes are so beautiful that they will lead to her downfall.
Vous ne voyez point votre chapeau? Mais il vous crève les yeux!
= You do not see your hat? Why, it stares you in the face! (it’s
just under your nose).
Vous ne voyez point votre chapeau? Mais il vous crève les yeux!
= You can't see your hat? It's right in front of you! (it's just under your nose).
La lumière me tire les yeux = The light hurts my eyes.
La lumière me tire les yeux = The light hurts my eyes.
Il ne le fera pas pour vos beaux yeux = He will not do it for
you for nothing.
Il ne le fera pas pour vos beaux yeux = He won't do it for you for free.
Nous convînmes de cela entre quatre yeux = We agreed to that
between ourselves.
Nous convînmes de cela entre quatre yeux = We agreed on that just between us.
Je m’en bats l’œil (pop.) = I don’t care a straw for it.
Je m’en bats l’œil (pop.) = I couldn’t care less about it.
Il a les yeux battus = He has a tired look about his eyes.
Il a les yeux battus = He looks weary.
Il a les yeux cernés = He has dark circles round his eyes.
Il a les yeux cernés = He has dark circles under his eyes.
Des yeux à fleur de tête = Goggle eyes. (See Fleur.)
Des yeux à fleur de tête = Goggle eyes. (See Fleur.)
Ouvrez l’œil, et le bon! (fam.) = Look out!
Ouvrez l’œil, et le bon! (fam.) = Watch out!
Cela lui a tapé dans l’œil (pop.) = That took his fancy; He
was much struck by that.
Cela lui a tapé dans l’œil (pop.) = That caught his attention; He was really impressed by that.
*Donner un œuf pour avoir un bœuf = To give a sprat to
catch a herring (or, mackerel).
*Donner un œuf pour avoir un bœuf = To give a little to gain a lot (or, to make a small sacrifice for a bigger reward).
[Also: Supporter peu pour avoir tout.]
[Also: Support a little to have everything.]
*Faire d’un œuf un bœuf = To make a mountain out of a
molehill.
*Faire d’un œuf un bœuf = To make a big deal out of nothing.
Il tondrait sur un œuf = He would skin a flint. (See Huile
and Cheveux.)
Il tondrait sur un œuf = He would shave a stone. (See Huile and Cheveux.)
*La fin couronne l’œuvre = The end crowns all; All’s well
that ends well.
*La fin couronne l’œuvre = The end completes the work; Everything's fine as long as it ends well.
Mettez la main à l’œuvre = Put your shoulder to the wheel.
Mettez la main à l’œuvre = Get to work.
*À l’œuvre on connaît l’artisan = A carpenter is known by
his chips; The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
*À l’œuvre on connaît l’artisan = You can tell a carpenter by the wood shavings; The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 21, Les frelons et la mouche
à miel.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, i. 21, The Hornets and the Honeybee.]
*Oignez vilain, il vous poindra:
Poignez vilain, il vous oindra.
*Touch the peasant, he'll mark you:
Watch out for the peasant; he’ll get to you.
[An old saying used by the French nobles during the middle
ages, and found in a collection of proverbs of the thirteenth
century.—Rab., i, 21. The Duc de Bourbon, in speaking before
the États-Généraux in 1484, said: “Je connais le caractère des
vilains. S’ils ne sont opprimés, il faut qu’ils oppriment.”
[An old saying used by the French nobles during the middle ages, and found in a collection of proverbs from the thirteenth century.—Rab., i, 21. The Duc de Bourbon, while speaking before the États-Généraux in 1484, said: “I know the nature of the common people. If they aren’t oppressed, they will oppress.”]
Comp. “Tender-handed stroke a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains;
Grasp it like a man of mettle,
And it soft as silk remains.”
—Aaron Hill, Verses written on a window in Scotland.]
Comp. “If you touch a nettle gently,
It will sting you for your trouble;
But if you grab it boldly,
It feels as soft as silk.”
—Aaron Hill, Verses written on a window in Scotland.
Il a battu les buissons, un autre a pris l’oiseau = He did the
work and another had the profit.
Il a battu les buissons, un autre a pris l’oiseau = He put in the effort, and someone else reaped the rewards.
[Donatus in his “Life of Virgil” quotes the famous line: “Sic vos
non vobis nidificatis aves.” Hesiod says of drones: “ἀλλότριον
κάματον σφετέρην ἑς γαστερ᾽ ἀμῶνται = Into their own bellies they
scrape together the labour of others.” The Talmud says: “One says
grace and another eats”; the New Testament: “One soweth, another
reapeth.” Henry V. is reported to have said: “Shall I beat the
bush and another take the bird?” when it was proposed to him to
give up the Duke of Orleans to the Burgundians.]
[Donatus in his “Life of Virgil” quotes the famous line: “So you do not build nests for yourselves, birds.” Hesiod talks about drones: “They scrape together the work of others into their own bellies.” The Talmud says: “One person says a prayer and another eats”; the New Testament: “One sows, another reaps.” Henry V. is reported to have said: “Should I do all the work and let someone else take the prize?” when it was suggested he give up the Duke of Orleans to the Burgundians.]
*À tout oiseau son nid est beau = Home is home, be it ever so
homely. (See Chez.)
*À tout oiseau son nid est beau = Home is home, no matter how simple. (See Chez.)
“Aux petits des oiseaux il donne leur pâture” = He that sends
mouths sends meat.
“Aux petits des oiseaux il donne leur pâture” = He who provides for the young birds also provides for the hungry.
[Racine, Athalie, ii. 7.]
[Racine, Athalie, ii. 7.]
À vue d’oiseau = A bird’s-eye view.
À vue d’oiseau = A bird’s-eye view.
À vol d’oiseau = As the crow flies.
À vol d’oiseau = As the crow flies.
*“L’oisiveté est la mère de tous les vices” = “For Satan finds
some mischief still for idle hands to do.”—Watts,
Divine Songs, xx. (See Fille.)
*“L’oisiveté est la mère de tous les vices” = “For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.”—Watts, Divine Songs, xx. (See Fille.)
[Collé, La Partie de Chasse de Henri IV., iii. 1. Also:
Négligence mène déchéance = Idle men tempt the devil.]
[Collé, La Partie de Chasse de Henri IV., iii. 1. Also:
Négligence mène déchéance = Lazy people invite trouble.]
On est un sot = “They-say-so” is half a liar.
On est un sot = “They say so” is half a lie.
[Note that there is no liaison after On here.]
[Note that there is no link after On here.]
Il a de l’esprit jusqu’au bout des ongles = He is witty to the
tips of his fingers; He is extremely witty.
Il a de l’esprit jusqu’au bout des ongles = He's witty to the tips of his fingers; he's exceptionally witty.
Il a bec et ongles = He will fight with beak and claw, tooth
and nail.
Il a bec et ongles = He will fight tooth and nail.
*Dans les petites boîtes les bons onguents = Small parcels hold
fine wares. (See Aune.)
*Dans les petites boîtes les bons onguents = Small packages contain quality goods. (See Aune.)
Il opine du bonnet = He agrees with the previous speakers
without saying a word.
Il opine du bonnet = He nods in agreement with the previous speakers without saying anything.
[From the custom of judges who agreed with the decision of a
brother judge, taking off their caps and saying nothing. It is
also said of a subordinate who always agrees with his superior.]
[From the practice of judges who supported the decision of a fellow judge, removing their caps and remaining silent. It is also used to describe a subordinate who always agrees with their superior.]
Il se fera tirer l’oreille = He will require pressing.
Il se fera tirer l’oreille = He will need some encouragement.
Il se retira l’oreille basse = He went away crestfallen.
Il se retira l’oreille basse = He walked away feeling down.
J’ai les oreilles rebattues de cela = I am tired of hearing
that.
J’ai les oreilles rebattues de cela = I'm sick of hearing that.
Il dort sur les deux oreilles = (lit.) He sleeps soundly;
(fig.) His mind is quite easy.
Il dort sur les deux oreilles = (lit.) He sleeps soundly;
(fig.) His mind is at ease.
Il n’écoute que d’une oreille = He pays very little attention
to what is being said.
Il n’écoute que d’une oreille = He barely listens to what’s being said.
Ne venez pas ainsi me corner aux oreilles = Do not come and din
it into my ears in that way.
Ne venez pas ainsi me corner aux oreilles = Don't come and pound it into my ears like that.
Il fait la sourde oreille = He turns a deaf ear; He pretends
not to hear.
Il fait la sourde oreille = He ignores it; He pretends not to hear.
Je n’entends pas de cette oreille-là = I will not listen to
that.
Je n’entends pas de cette oreille-là = I'm not going to listen to that.
Par dessus les oreilles = Over head and ears.
Par dessus les oreilles = Over your head and ears.
Autant lui en pend à l’oreille = He may expect the same
(something unpleasant). (Compare Nez.)
Autant lui en pend à l’oreille = He might anticipate the same (something unpleasant). (See Nez.)
Les oreilles ont dû vous corner (tinter) = Your ears must
have burned.
Les oreilles ont dû vous corner (tinter) = Your ears must have burned.
Je lui frotterai les oreilles = I will twist his tail for him.
Je lui frotterai les oreilles = I will twist his tail for him.
*“Vous êtes orfèvre, Monsieur Josse!” = That is a bit of
special pleading; That is not disinterested advice; There’s
nothing like leather!
*“You are a goldsmith, Mr. Josse!” = That’s a bit of special pleading; That’s not unbiased advice; There’s nothing like leather!*
[Molière, L’Amour Médecin, i. 1. This quotation refers
to Sganarelle’s daughter who suffers from an incurable lowness
of spirits. All his neighbours give him advice as to how to cure
her; among them, Monsieur Josse, a jeweller, suggests that a fine
necklace of diamonds or rubies would undoubtedly cure her. The
father, distracted though he be, is not so far gone as not to see
through this remark, and he replies in the words that have since
become proverbial.]
[Molière, L’Amour Médecin, i. 1. This quote refers to Sganarelle’s daughter, who suffers from a chronic sadness. All his neighbors give him suggestions on how to help her; among them, Monsieur Josse, a jeweler, proposes that a beautiful necklace of diamonds or rubies would surely make her better. The father, though distracted, is not naive enough to believe this remark, and he responds with words that have since become well-known.]
*Il n’est orgueil que de sot enrichi = Set a beggar on
horseback, he’ll ride to the devil.
*Il n’est orgueil que de sot enrichi = Put a beggar on horseback, and he'll ride straight to hell.
*Attendez-moi sous l’orme = You may wait for me till doomsday.
*Attendez-moi sous l’orme = You can wait for me until the end of time.
Rabelais jeta le froc aux orties = Rabelais was an unfrocked
priest.
Rabelais jeta le froc aux orties = Rabelais was a defrocked priest.
Ôte-toi de là que je m’y mette = You get out and let me get in.
Ôte-toi de là que je m’y mette = Move over so I can get in.
[Origin unknown; probably le Vicomte de Ségur first used it. Comp.
Sancho Panza, “Imitando al juego de los muchachos que dicen ‘Salta
tu y dámela tu’ doy un salto del gobierno.”]
[Origin unknown; probably le Vicomte de Ségur first used it. Comp. Sancho Panza, “Imitating the game that kids play where they say ‘You jump and give it to me’ I take a leap from the government.”]
Oublions le passé = Let bygones be bygones.
Oublions le passé = Let's move on from the past.
C’est un ours mal léché = He is an ill-licked cub; He is an
ill-bred [or, ill-shapen] fellow.
C’est un ours mal léché = He is a rough character; He is a rude [or, awkward] guy.
[La Fontaine, Fables, xi. 7.]
[La Fontaine, Fables, xi. 7.]
C’est le pavé de l’ours = Save me from my friends.
[“Rien n’est si dangereux qu’un ignorant ami
Mieux vaudrait un sage ennemi.”
La Fontaine, Fables, viii. 10.
[“Nothing is more dangerous than an uninformed friend
It’s better to have a knowledgeable enemy.”
La Fontaine, Fables, viii. 10.
An old gardener, feeling lonely, had adopted a bear as a
companion. One day, when his master was asleep, he sees a fly on
his face; he tries to drive it away, but it declines to move, so
he takes up a huge paving-stone and kills the fly—and his master
too.]
An old gardener, feeling lonely, had taken in a bear as a companion. One day, while his master was asleep, he noticed a fly on his face; he tried to shoo it away, but it wouldn't budge, so he picked up a large paving stone and ended up killing the fly—and his master too.
*Mauvais ouvrier n’a jamais bons outils = A bad workman always
blames his tools.
*i lang="fr">A bad worker always blames their tools = A bad workman always blames his tools.
Il traduit à livre ouvert = He translates at sight.
Il traduit à livre ouvert = He translates on the fly.
P.
Tout y va, la paille et le blé = He spends all he has.
Tout y va, la paille et le blé = He gives it his all.
Il mourra sur la paille = He will die in the gutter.
Il mourra sur la paille = He will die in the gutter.
Il est sur la paille = He is exceedingly poor.
Il est sur la paille = He is really broke.
Tirons à la courte paille = Let us draw lots.
Tirons à la courte paille = Let's draw straws.
*Cela enlève la paille = “That takes the cake.”
*Cela enlève la paille = “That takes the cake.”
[The French is hardly as popular an expression as the English,
which might be rendered in French by décrocher la timbale.
Quitard derives paille from paîle, a kind of rich cloth given
as a prize in athletic contests. Littré imagines it originated
with amber, which has the property of raising light objects, such
as straw. Madame de Sévigné writes (13th Jan. 1672): “Racine a
fait une comédie qui s’appelle Bajazet et qui enlève la paille.”
The English expression is said to come from the custom of
negroes, when giving a ball, to provide a cake to be given to the
best-dressed couple. The competitors walk round and are judged by
the other guests. Hence the term cake-walk.]
[The French expression isn’t as popular as the English one, which can be translated into French as décrocher la timbale. Quitard traces paille back to paîle, a type of luxurious cloth awarded as a prize in athletic contests. Littré suggests it comes from amber, which has the ability to lift light objects like straw. Madame de Sévigné wrote on January 13, 1672: “Racine has written a play called Bajazet that captures the paille.” The English phrase is thought to originate from the practice among African Americans at balls, where a cake is given to the best-dressed couple. The competitors strut around and are judged by other guests. That’s where the term cake-walk comes from.]
Cet homme est bon comme le pain = That man is goodness itself.
Cet homme est bon comme le pain = That man is as good as gold.
Il a mangé son pain blanc le premier = He had the best of his
life first; His happiest days are over.
Il a mangé son pain blanc le premier = He experienced his best days first; His happiest times are behind him.
[In many parts of the Continent white bread is not the matter of
course that it is in England; brown or black bread is the usual
fare of the poorer classes.]
[In many areas of the Continent, white bread isn't the standard it is in England; brown or dark bread is the typical food for lower-income groups.]
*Tel grain, tel pain = What you sow, you must mow.
*Tel grain, tel pain = What you sow, you reap.*
On lui a fait passer le goût du pain (fam.) = They killed him.
On lui a fait passer le goût du pain (fam.) = They killed him.
C’est pain bénit = It serves you (him, her, them) right.
C’est pain bénit = You got what’s coming to you.
Il a du pain sur la planche = He has saved money; He has enough
to live upon; He has put something by for a rainy day; There is
plenty of work for him to do.
Il a du pain sur la planche = He has saved money; He has enough to live on; He has set aside something for emergencies; There’s a lot of work for him to do.
*De tout s’avise à qui pain faut (manque) = Necessity is the
mother of invention.
*De tout s’avise à qui pain faut (manque) = Necessity is the mother of invention.*
*Pain tant qu’il dure, vin à mesure = Eat at pleasure, drink by
measure.
*Pain tant qu’il dure, vin à mesure = Eat as much as you want, drink in moderation.*
*Il ne vaut pas le pain qu’il mange = He is not worth his salt.
*Il ne vaut pas le pain qu’il mange = He's not worth the trouble.
Il sait son pain manger = He knows on which side his bread is
buttered.
Il sait son pain manger = He knows where he stands.
*C’est un long jour qu’un jour sans pain = ’Tis a long lane
that has no turning.
*C’est un long jour qu’un jour sans pain = It's a long road that has no exit.
*Pain dérobé réveille appétit = Stolen joys are sweet.
*i lang="fr">Pain dérobé réveille appétit = Stolen joys are sweet.
[“Pain qu’on dérobe et qu’on mange en cachette,
Vaut mieux que pain qu’on cuit et qu’on achète.”
La Fontaine, Les Troqueurs.]
[“Stolen bread that you eat in secret,
Is better than bread that you bake and purchase.”
La Fontaine, Les Troqueurs.]
Je ne mange pas de ce pain-là = I don’t go in for that sort of
thing.
Je ne mange pas de ce pain-là = I’m not into that kind of thing.
Hors de pair = Beyond all comparison; Above the level of others.
Hors de pair = Unmatched; Superior to others.
Traiter quelqu’un de pair à compagnon = To be
hail-fellow-well-met with any one; To treat any one on an equal
footing.
Traiter quelqu’un de pair à compagnon = To get along well with someone; To treat someone as an equal.
*Les deux font la paire (fam.) = They are well matched;
Arcades ambo.
*Les deux font la paire (fam.) = They are well matched; Arcades ambo.
*Je l’ai envoyé paître (fam.) = I sent him about his business.
*Je l’ai envoyé paître (fam.) = I told him to get lost.
Paix et peu = Anything for a quiet life.
Paix et peu = Anything for a peaceful life.
*Adieu paniers, vendanges sont faites = You come too late, it
is all over.
*i lang="fr">Goodbye baskets, the harvest is done = You arrived too late, it's all finished.
[The chorus of an old glee sung by the grape-pickers when their
labours were finished. Comp. Rabelais, Gargantua,
xxvii.]
[The chorus of an old song sung by the grape pickers when they finished their work. Comp. Rabelais, Gargantua, xxvii.]
Vous me donnez le dessus du panier = You give me the best, the
pick.
Vous me donnez le dessus du panier = You give me the best, the top choice.
[Le dessous du panier = the refuse.]
[Le dessous du panier = the refuse.]
C’est un panier percé = He is a spendthrift.
C’est un panier percé = He is a big spender.
Donner dans le panneau = To fall into the trap.
Donner dans le panneau = To fall for it.
Il n’a pas fait une panse d’a aujourd’hui = He has not done a
stroke all day.
Il n’a pas fait une panse d’a aujourd’hui = He hasn’t done anything all day.
[Panse d’a = the round part of an a.]
[Panse d’a = the rounded part of an a.]
Il n’est pas dans mes petits papiers = He is not in my good
books.
Il n’est pas dans mes petits papiers = He is not in my good books.
[“Oh! pourvu que je sois
Dans les petits papiers du Mercure François.”
Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac, ii. 8.]
[“Oh! I hope I'm
in the good graces of the Mercure François.”
Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac, ii. 8.]
Je lui ai donné son paquet = I gave him the sack.
Je lui ai donné son paquet = I handed him the package.
Faire un paquet = To make a parcel.
Faire un paquet = To make a package.
Faire son paquet = To pack up and go.
Faire son paquet = To pack up and leave.
De par le roi = By the king’s command.
De par le roi = By the king's command.
[“De par le roi, défense à Dieu
De faire miracle en ce lieu.”
["The king has declared that God
is not allowed to perform miracles here.”
A cynical couplet that arose when Louis XV. prohibited pilgrimages
to the tomb of François de Pâris, behind the Church of St. Médard
in Paris, because of the Convulsionnaires.]
A cynical couplet that came about when Louis XV banned pilgrimages to the tomb of François de Pâris, behind the Church of St. Médard in Paris, because of the Convulsionnaires.
Sans qu’il y paraisse, c’est un homme fort instruit = Without
making any show he is a very well-informed man.
Sans qu’il y paraisse, c’est un homme fort instruit = He doesn't show it, but he's actually a very knowledgeable man.
A ce qu’il me paraît = As far as I can judge, see.
A ce qu’il me paraît = As far as I can tell, see.
Le livre vient de paraître = The book is just out, just
published.
Le livre vient de paraître = The book has just been released, just published.
Il n’y paraît plus = There is no trace of it.
Il n’y paraît plus = There's no sign of it.
Il n’y paraît pas = One would not have thought it.
Il n’y paraît pas = You wouldn't have thought so.
J’ai le pareil = I have one like it.
J’ai le pareil = I have one like it.
Je vous rendrai la pareille = 1. I will pay you out. 2. I will
do the same for you.
Je vous rendrai la pareille = 1. I'll return the favor. 2. I'll do the same for you.
On n’a jamais vu chose pareille = One never heard of such a
thing.
On n’a jamais vu chose pareille = No one has ever seen anything like it.
*Ce sont les paresseux qui font le plus de chemin = Lazy people
take the most pains.
*Ce sont les paresseux qui font le plus de chemin = Lazy people take the most effort.
Parier Il y a cent (or, gros) à parier qu’ils ne reviendront
pas = The odds are that they will not come back.
Parier Il y a cent (or, gros) à parier qu’ils ne reviendront
pas = The chances are they won’t return.
Il prend Paris pour Corbeil, le Pirée pour un homme = “He does
not know a hawk from a handsaw.”
He takes Paris for Corbeil, the Piraeus for a man = “He does not know a hawk from a handsaw.”
[Hamlet, ii. 2, where “handsaw” is a corruption of hernshaw =
heron. This was an old proverb, corrupted before Shakespeare’s day.
[Hamlet, ii. 2, where “handsaw” is a misinterpretation of hernshaw = heron. This was an old saying that had changed before Shakespeare’s time.
“Pour grain ne prenant paille ou Paris pour
Corbeil.”—Régnier, Sat. xiv.]
“Pour grain ne prenant paille ou Paris pour Corbeil.”—Régnier, Sat. xiv.]
Le Tout-Paris de ce temps-là = The fashionable world of Paris
of that day.
Le Tout-Paris de ce temps-là = The trendy crowd of Paris at that time.
Nous parlions de la pluie et du beau temps = We were not
talking of anything important or confidential; We were talking of
indifferent matters.
Nous parlions de la pluie et du beau temps = We weren't discussing anything significant or private; we were just chatting about trivial things.
Parler de bouche
Au cœur ne touche |
}= |
Lip worship does not
reach the heart. |
C’est à vous à parler = It is your turn to speak.
C’est à vous à parler = It’s your turn to talk.
C’est à vous de parler = It is your duty to speak.
C’est à vous de parler = It's your responsibility to speak.
Qu’il vienne, il trouvera à qui parler = Let him come, he will
find his match.
Qu’il vienne, il trouvera à qui parler = Let him come, he will find someone to talk to.
Trop gratter cuit, trop parler nuit = Least said, soonest
mended; Speech is silvern, silence is golden.
Trop gratter cuit, trop parler nuit = The less said, the better; Talking is silver, but silence is golden.
[Italian: Chi parla semina, chi tace raccoglie = Who speaks sows,
who keeps silence reaps.
Qui d’autruy parler voudra
Regarde soi et il taira.]
[Italian: Those who speak plant seeds, while those who stay silent reap the rewards.
The one who wants to speak for others
Should reflect on themselves and remain silent.]
*Jamais beau parler n’écorcha la langue = Fair words never did
harm; Civility costs nothing.
*Jamais beau parler n’écorcha la langue = Nice words never did harm; Politeness costs nothing.
Il a son franc parler = He is free-spoken.
Il a son franc parler = He speaks his mind.
*Vous avez la parole = It is your turn to speak; You are
allowed to speak (i.e. you have caught the Speaker’s eye). See
Avoir.
*Vous avez la parole = It's your turn to speak; You can talk (i.e. you have caught the Speaker’s attention). See Avoir.
Je lui coupai la parole = I interrupted him.
Je lui coupai la parole = I interrupted him.
*Un homme d’honneur n’a que sa parole = An honest man’s word is
as good as his bond.
Un homme d’honneur n’a que sa parole = An honest man’s word is his bond.
Être de parole = To be as good as one’s word.
Être de parole = To be true to one’s word.
Manquer de parole (or, manquer à sa parole) = To break one’s
word.
Manquer de parole (or, manquer à sa parole) = To go back on one's word.
Tenir parole = To keep one’s word.
Tenir parole = To keep your promise.
En bonne ou mauvaise part = In a good or bad sense.
En bonne ou mauvaise part = In a good or bad way.
Nous le savons de bonne part = We know it on good authority.
Nous le savons de bonne part = We know it from a reliable source.
Il est bien partagé = The Fates have been kind to him.
Il est bien partagé = The Fates have been nice to him.
Il a pris son parti = 1. He has made up his mind. 2. He has
resigned himself to it.
Il a pris son parti = 1. He has made a decision. 2. He has accepted it.
De parti pris = Deliberately.
C’est un parti pris = His mind is made up; It is a foregone
conclusion.
C’est un parti pris = He has already made up his mind; It's a done deal.
C’est un parti pris chez lui de toujours contredire = He will
always contradict.
C’est un parti pris chez lui de toujours contredire = He always contradicts.
A parti pris point de conseil = Advice is useless when a man’s
mind is made up.
A parti pris point de conseil = Advice doesn’t matter when someone has already made up their mind.
Il tire parti de tout = He makes a profit out of everything.
Il tire parti de tout = He benefits from everything.
Il sait tirer parti de la vie = He knows how to make the best
of life.
Il sait tirer parti de la vie = He knows how to make the most of life.
Il a épousé un bon parti = He made a good match.
Il a épousé un bon parti = He married well.
Il vous fera un mauvais parti = He will try and pick a quarrel
with you so as to ill-use you, to do you harm.
Il vous fera un mauvais parti = He will try to start a fight with you to mistreat you and cause you harm.
Il m’a pris à partie = He took me to task; (legally) He
summoned me.
Il m’a pris à partie = He confronted me; (legally) He called me in.
[Partie is literally a man who pleads against any one in a
lawsuit. Compare:
[Partie is literally a person who argues against someone in a lawsuit. Compare:]
“Va, je suis ta partie et non pas ton bourreau.”
Corneille, Cid, 839.]
“Go on, I am your part and not your executioner.”
Corneille, Cid, 839.]
C’était une partie nulle = It was a drawn game.
C’était une partie nulle = It was a tie game.
Marcher à pas de géant = To put on one’s seven-league boots.
Marcher à pas de géant = To put on one’s seven-league boots.
Se tirer d’un mauvais pas = To get out of an awkward fix
(scrape).
Se tirer d’un mauvais pas = To get out of a tricky situation (scrape).
*Il n’y a que le premier pas qui coûte = In everything the
beginning is the most difficult part; The first step downward
makes the others easier.
*Il n’y a que le premier pas qui coûte = In everything, the beginning is the hardest part; taking the first step makes the rest easier.
[“Il n’y a que le premier obstacle qui coûte à
vaincre.”—Bossuet, Pensées chrétiennes, 9.]
[“It is only the first obstacle that is hard to overcome.”—Bossuet, Christian Thoughts, 9.]
Il prend le pas sur moi = He takes precedence of me.
Il prend le pas sur moi = He takes priority over me.
J’y vais de ce pas = I am going there directly.
J’y vais de ce pas = I'm heading there right now.
Je le mettrai au pas = I will put him on his good behaviour.
Je le mettrai au pas = I will get him to behave.
Marquer le pas = (lit.) To mark time; (fig.) To wait for a post
to which one has a right.
Marquer le pas = (lit.) To mark time; (fig.) To wait for a post that you’re entitled to.
Marchez au pas = Drive slowly; Walk in step.
Marchez au pas = Drive slowly; Walk in sync.
Il est en passe de devenir ministre = He is in a fair way (he
stands a good chance) to become a Cabinet Minister.
Il est en passe de devenir ministre = He is on track to become a Cabinet Minister.
Il faut bien que j’en passe par là = I must submit to that; I
must put up with it.
Il faut bien que j’en passe par là = I have to go through that; I have to deal with it.
Nous ne pouvons nous passer de cela = We cannot do without that.
Nous ne pouvons nous passer de cela = We can't do without that.
*Passons au déluge = We know all about that, let us come to the
point; Don’t let us go over all that again, we will take it for
granted.
*Passons au déluge = We know all about that, so let’s get to the point; let's not revisit all that; we'll assume that's understood.
[Racine, Plaideurs, iii. 3; where L’Intimé, the lawyer,
wishes to relate the history of the world from the creation, and
Dandin, the judge, begs him to skip all until the flood.]
[Racine, Plaideurs, iii. 3; where L’Intimé, the lawyer, wants to share the history of the world from the beginning, and Dandin, the judge, asks him to jump straight to the flood.]
Cette couleur passera = That colour will fade.
This color will fade = That color will fade.
*Passe-moi la casse (rhubarbe), je te passerai le séné = Claw
me and I’ll claw thee; One hand washes the other, and both wash
the face.
*Passe-moi la casse (rhubarbe), je te passerai le séné = Help me out and I’ll help you; One hand washes the other, and both wash the face.*
Passez-moi ce mot-là = Excuse the expression.
Passez-moi ce mot-là = Sorry for saying that.
J’en passe ... et des meilleurs = Some of the best I pass over.
J’en passe ... et des meilleurs = I’m skipping over some of the best.
[Victor Hugo, Hernani, iii. 6.]
[Victor Hugo, Hernani, iii. 6.]
On ne passe pas = No thoroughfare.
On ne passe pas = No entry.
[Rue barrée = Road stopped.]
Vous faites des pattes de mouche = You have a small, ill-formed
handwriting.
Vous faites des pattes de mouche = You have messy handwriting.
Il marche à quatre pattes = He walks on all-fours.
Il marche à quatre pattes = He walks on all fours.
Aux pauvres la besace = The back is made for the burden.
Aux pauvres la besace = The back is meant to bear the load.
L’homme pauvre est toujours en pays étranger = The poor are
never welcomed; All bite the bitten dog.
L’homme pauvre est toujours en pays étranger = Poor people are never welcomed; everyone kicks a dog that's already been beaten.
*Pauvreté n’est pas vice = Poverty is no crime.
*Pauvreté n’est pas vice = Poverty is not a crime.
Les pavés le disent = It is in every one’s mouth.
Les pavés le disent = It's on everyone's lips.
Il est sur le pavé = He is out of work.
Il est sur le pavé = He is unemployed.
Prendre le haut du pavé = To take the wall.
Prendre le haut du pavé = To take the high ground.
Payer de sa personne = To bravely expose oneself to danger; To
risk one’s skin.
Payer de sa personne = To boldly put oneself in harm's way; To risk one's life.
Être payé pour savoir = To know a thing to one’s cost.
Être payé pour savoir = Learning a hard lesson.
Payer d’audace = To put on a bold face; To brazen a thing out.
Payer d’audace = To act confidently; To get through something with nerve.
Payer les violons = To pay the piper.
Payer les violons = To pay the piper.
Je ne me paye pas de mauvaises raisons = I will only be
satisfied with good reasons.
Je ne me paye pas de mauvaises raisons = I will only accept valid reasons.
Vous vous payez de mots = You are the dupe of words; You are
taken in by empty words.
Vous vous payez de mots = You are fooled by words; You are taken in by empty talk.
Il me la payera = I will make him smart for it.
Il me la payera = I will make him pay for it.
Qui paye ses dettes s’enrichit = Debt is the worst kind of
poverty.
Qui paye ses dettes s’enrichit = Debt is the biggest form of poverty.
Payer son écot = To pay one’s share (scot).
Payer son écot = To pay your share.
Il veut se payer ma tête = He wishes to have the laugh of me.
Il veut se payer ma tête = He wants to make a fool out of me.
*Pays ruiné vaut mieux que pays perdu = Half a loaf is better
than no bread.
*i lang="fr">A ruined country is better than a lost country = Half a loaf is better than none.
Je lui ferai voir du pays = I will lead him a pretty dance.
Je lui ferai voir du pays = I will take him on quite an adventure.
*Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué =
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched; First catch
your hare.
*Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué = Don't count your chickens before they're hatched; First catch your hare.*
[“Il m’a dit qu’il ne faut jamais
Vendre la peau de l’ours qu’on ne l’ait mis par terre.”
La Fontaine, Fables, v. 20.]
[“He told me that you should never
Sell the bear's skin before you've caught the bear.”
La Fontaine, Fables, v. 20.]
Il crève dans sa peau (fam.) = (lit.) He is extremely fat;
(fig.) He is bursting with pride, spite.
Il crève dans sa peau (fam.) = (lit.) He is very overweight; (fig.) He is overflowing with pride, bitterness.
Faire peau neuve = To turn over a new leaf.
Faire peau neuve = To start fresh.
*Péché avoué est à demi pardonné = A fault confessed is half
redressed.
*i lang="fr">Péché avoué est à demi pardonné = Admitting a mistake is halfway to fixing it.
Elle est laide comme les sept péchés capitaux = She is as ugly
as sin.
Elle est laide comme les sept péchés capitaux = She's as ugly as the seven deadly sins.
On est puni par où l’on a péché =
“The Gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to scourge us.”
On est puni par où l’on a péché =
“The Gods are fair, and from our enjoyable vices
Create tools to punish us.”
[King Lear, act 5, scene 3.]
Cela ne vaut pas la peine = It is not worth the trouble; It is
not worth while.
Cela ne vaut pas la peine = It's not worth the effort; It's not worth it.
Mourir à la peine = 1. To die in harness. 2. To work oneself to
death.
Mourir à la peine = 1. To die while working. 2. To work oneself to exhaustion.
Je ne peux pas le voir même en peinture = I hate the very sight
of that man.
Je ne peux pas le voir même en peinture = I can't stand the sight of that man.
Il y avait quatre pelés et un tondu = There were only a few
people and those of no importance; Only the tag, rag, and bobtail
were there.
Il y avait quatre pelés et un tondu = There were just a handful of people there, and none of them mattered; just the outcasts and misfits.
*La pelle se moque du fourgon = It is the pot calling the
kettle black.
*La pelle se moque du fourgon = It's the pot calling the kettle black.*
[Another English variant is: “The kiln calls the oven: Burnt
house.” The Italians say: “La padella dice al pajuolo, ‘Fatti
ni la che tu me tigni’” = The pan says to the pot, “Keep off or
you’ll smutch me.” The Germans: “Ein Esel schimpft den andern
Langohr” = One ass nicknames another Longears.]
[Another English variant is: “The kiln calls the oven: Burnt house.” The Italians say: “La padella dice al pajuolo, ‘Fatti ni la che tu me tigni’” = The pan says to the pot, “Stay away or you’ll make me dirty.” The Germans: “Ein Esel schimpft den andern Langohr” = One donkey calls another Long Ears.]
Remuer l’argent à la pelle = To have plenty of money.
Remuer l’argent à la pelle = To have a lot of money.
Il a fait sa pelote = He has feathered his nest.
Il a fait sa pelote = He has made himself comfortable.
Cet homme n’a pas son pendant (or, pareil) = That man has not
his match.
Cet homme n’a pas son pendant (or, pareil) = That man has no equal.
Il a dit pis que pendre de vous = He said everything that was
bad of you; According to him, hanging is too good for you.
Il a dit pis que pendre de vous = He said all sorts of terrible things about you; in his view, hanging is too good for you.
À ce que je pense = To my mind.
À ce que je pense = In my opinion.
Sans penser à mal = Without meaning any mischief.
Sans penser à mal = Without any bad intentions.
Rien que d’y penser j’en ai le frisson = The bare thought of it
makes me shudder.
Rien que d’y penser j’en ai le frisson = Just thinking about it makes me shiver.
Cela donne furieusement à penser = That is very suggestive.
Cela donne furieusement à penser = That is very thought-provoking.
Sans arrière-pensée = Without reserve; With no after-thought.
Sans arrière-pensée = Without hesitation; With no second thoughts.
*Un de perdu, deux de retrouvés = When one door shuts, another
opens.
*i lang="fr">Un de perdu, deux de retrouvés = When one door closes, two more open.
Je m’y perds = I am getting bewildered; I cannot make head or
tail of it.
Je m’y perds = I'm getting confused; I can't figure it out.
Il perd la carte = He is getting confused.
Il perd la carte = He is getting mixed up.
C’est du bien perdu = It is casting pearls before swine.
C’est du bien perdu = It’s wasting something valuable on those who don’t appreciate it.
*Qui perd pèche = He who loses sins; Nothing succeeds like
success.
*Qui perd pèche = He who loses sins; Nothing succeeds like success.
*Toujours des perdrix = The best things pall in time.
*i lang="fr">Toujours des perdrix = The best things lose their charm over time.
Nous ne sommes pas ici pour enfiler des perles = We are not
here to trifle our time away.
Nous ne sommes pas ici pour enfiler des perles = We are not here to waste our time.
Ce n’est pas le Pérou (fam.) = It’s no great catch.
Ce n’est pas le Pérou (fam.) = It’s not a big deal.
C’est la bonté en personne = He (or, She) is kindness itself.
C’est la bonté en personne = He (or, She) is pure kindness.
À perte de vue = As far as the eye can reach.
À perte de vue = As far as you can see.
Je suis en perte = I am out of pocket.
Je suis en perte = I'm at a loss.
J’ai fait cela en pure perte = What I have done is completely
useless; All I have done is to no purpose.
J’ai fait cela en pure perte = What I’ve done is totally pointless; everything I did was for nothing.
Il vaut son pesant d’or = He is worth his weight in gold.
Il vaut son pesant d’or = He’s worth his weight in gold.
Elles sont aux petits soins pour leur vieille mère = They are
all attention to their old mother.
Elles sont aux petits soins pour leur vieille mère = They take great care of their elderly mother.
*Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières = Many a little
makes a mickle.
*i lang="fr">Small streams make great rivers = Many little things add up to a lot.
*Petit à petit l’oiseau fait son nid = Little strokes fell
great oaks. (See Maille and Ruisseau.)
*Petit à petit l’oiseau fait son nid = Small efforts can achieve great things. (See Maille and Ruisseau.)
[Also: Grain à grain amasse la fourmi son pain.
Peu à peu la vieille file sa quenouille.
[Also: Grain by grain, the ant collects its food.
Bit by bit, the old woman spins her thread.
Latin: Adde parvum parvo tandem fit magnus acervus.
Add a little to a little, and you get a lot.
Italian: A passo a passo se va lontana.
Little and often fills the purse.]
Italian: Step by step, one goes far.
Little and often fills the purse.]
En petit = On a small scale.
En petit = On a small scale.
*Petit mercier, petit panier = A small pack becomes a small
pedlar.
*Petit mercier, petit panier = A small pack turns into a small vendor.
[“Little boats should keep the shore,
Larger ships may venture more.”
Latin: Pauper agat caute.]
["Small boats should stay near the shore,
Larger ships can take greater risks."
Latin: Pauper agat caute.]
*Petite cervelle, prompte colère = A little pot is soon hot.
Petite cervelle, prompte colère = A short temper comes quickly.
Je suis dans le pétrin (fam.) = I am in a mess, fix.
Je suis dans le pétrin (fam.) = I'm in deep trouble.
Les finances sont en ce moment dans un pétrin impossible = The
finances are in horrible disorder just now.
Les finances sont en ce moment dans un pétrin impossible = The finances are in a real mess right now.
Si peu que rien = Next to nothing.
Si peu que rien = Almost nothing.
Imaginez un peu! = Just fancy!
Pour peu que cela vous ennuie = However little it annoys you.
Pour peu que cela vous ennuie = No matter how little it bothers you.
Tant soit peu meilleur = Be it ever so little better; A shade
better.
Tant soit peu meilleur = Even if it’s just a little better; A bit better.
À peu de chose près = Not far off.
À peu de chose près = Pretty close.
Elle était mise à faire peur = She looked a fright.
Elle était mise à faire peur = She looked scary.
Il a eu plus de peur que de mal = He was more frightened than
hurt.
Il a eu plus de peur que de mal = He was more scared than harmed.
Faire des phrases = To speak affectedly.
Faire des phrases = To speak in a pretentious way.
*Il a trouvé la pie au nid = He has found a mare’s nest.
*i lang="fr">Il a trouvé la pie au nid = He has found a mare's nest.
Elle jase comme une pie borgne = She chatters like a magpie.
Elle jase comme une pie borgne = She talks a lot like a magpie.
J’ai fait cela de toutes pièces = I have done that entirely
(i.e. every part of it).
J’ai fait cela de toutes pièces = I did that from scratch
(i.e. every part of it).
Je lui ai donné la pièce = I gave him a trifle, tip.
Je lui ai donné la pièce = I gave him a small amount of money, a tip.
C’est la pièce de résistance = It is the principal dish (of a
meal).
C’est la pièce de résistance = It is the main dish (of a meal).
Il a bon pied, bon œil = He is hale and hearty.
Il a bon pied, bon œil = He is in great shape.
Sur le pied où en sont les choses = Considering how matters
stand.
Sur le pied où en sont les choses = Considering how things are going.
Il ne sait sur quel pied danser = He does not know which way to
turn.
Il ne sait sur quel pied danser = He doesn't know which way to go.
Partir du bon pied = To put one’s best foot foremost.
Partir du bon pied = To start off on the right foot.
Je ferai des pieds et des mains pour vous être utile = I will
do my utmost (strain every nerve) to serve you.
Je ferai des pieds et des mains pour vous être utile = I will do everything I can to help you.
Armé de pied en cap = Armed from head to foot, cap-à-pie.
Armé de pied en cap = Armed from head to toe, head to toe.
Le pied m’a manqué = My foot slipped.
Le pied m’a manqué = I lost my footing.
Mettre (quelqu’un) à pied = (fam.) To dismiss (a
functionary); To deprive a cabman of his licence.
Mettre (quelqu’un) à pied = (slang) To fire (an employee); To take away a cab driver's license.
Il a trouvé chaussure à son pied = He has found just what he
wanted; He has found his match.
Il a trouvé chaussure à son pied = He has found exactly what he wanted; He has found his perfect match.
Lâcher pied = 1. To lose ground. 2. To scamper away.
Lâcher pied = 1. To give up ground. 2. To run away.
Lever le pied = To decamp (of a dishonest banker, etc.).
Lever le pied = To bail (of a dishonest banker, etc.).
Vous m’avez tiré une épine du pied = (fig.) You have got me out
of a difficulty. (See Épine.)
You’ve pulled a thorn from my foot = (fig.) You have helped me out of a tough spot. (See Épine.)
J’ai fait mon travail d’arraché pied = I did my work straight
off, without stopping.
J’ai fait mon travail d’arraché pied = I did my work right away, without taking a break.
De plain pied = On the same level (of rooms on the same floor,
or on a level with the ground).
De plain pied = At the same level (rooms on the same floor or at ground level).
Il a le pied marin = He has got his sea-legs; He is a good
sailor.
Il a le pied marin = He has his sea legs; He is a skilled sailor.
Sauter à pieds joints sur quelqu’un = (fig.) To ride rough-shod
over any one.
Sauter à pieds joints sur quelqu’un = (fig.) To dominate or take advantage of someone.
Il ne se mouche pas du pied (pop.) = 1. He is a man of
importance; He gives himself airs. 2. He is no fool.
Il ne se mouche pas du pied (pop.) = 1. He is a significant person; He acts superior. 2. He is no idiot.
[A favourite trick of a tumbler in olden times was to take one
of his feet in his hands and pass it quickly under his nose.
Hence the expression would be equivalent to: he is no tumbler or
common fellow. “N’est pas un homme, non, qui se mouche du pied.”
Molière, Tartufe, iv. 5.]
[A favorite trick of a acrobat in ancient times was to grab one of his feet with his hands and swiftly pass it under his nose. Therefore, the expression would mean: he is not an acrobat or an ordinary person. “He is not a man, no, who blows his nose with his foot.”
Molière, Tartufe, iv. 5.]
Aller du pied (or, Courir) comme un chat maigre = To be a
good walker.
Aller du pied (or, Courir) comme un chat maigre = To be a good walker.
Il sèche sur pied = He is pining away.
Il sèche sur pied = He is wasting away.
La mort l’a pris au pied levé = Death took him without a
moment’s notice.
La mort l’a pris au pied levé = Death caught him off guard.
[Literally, just at the moment he was starting to go out.]
[Literally, just as he was about to leave.]
*Faire d’une pierre deux coups = To kill two birds with one
stone.
*i lang="fr">Faire d’une pierre deux coups = To kill two birds with one stone.
*Pierre qui roule n’amasse pas mousse = A rolling stone gathers
no moss.
*Pierre qui roule n’amasse pas mousse = A rolling stone gathers no moss.
[The Greek form was: λίθος κυλινδόμενος τὸ φῦκος οὐ ποιεῖ.]
[The Greek form was: λίθος κυλινδόμενος τὸ φῦκος οὐ ποιεῖ.]
Cela ferait rire un tas de pierres = That would make a cat
laugh.
Cela ferait rire un tas de pierres = That would make a lot of stones laugh.
Sa montre est au mont de piété = His watch is at the
pawnbroker’s. (See Accrocher.)
Sa montre est au mont de piété = His watch is at the pawn shop. (See Accrocher.)
Avoir pignon sur rue = To have a house of one’s own.
Avoir pignon sur rue = To own a place of your own.
Jouer à pile ou face = To play pitch and toss, heads or tails.
Jouer à pile ou face = To play heads or tails.
Il n’a ni croix ni pile = He has not a rap.
Il n’a ni croix ni pile = He doesn't have a rap.
[“Sans croix ne pile.”—La Fontaine, Contes, ii.
“Whacum had neither cross nor pile.”—Butler, Hudibras,
ii. 3. Pile is literally the reverse of a coin.]
[“Without cross, there’s no coin.”—La Fontaine, Contes, ii. “Whacum had neither cross nor coin.”—Butler, Hudibras, ii. 3. Pile is literally the flip side of a coin.]
C’est un pilier d’estaminet (or, de café) = He is a
public-house lounger, a pub-loafer.
C’est un pilier d’estaminet (or, de café) = He is a regular at the pub, a pub-loafer.
Dorer la pilule = To gild the pill.
Dorer la pilule = To sugarcoat the pill.
Casser sa pipe (pop.) = To kick the bucket; To hop the twig; To
die.
Casser sa pipe (pop.) = To kick the bucket; To drop dead; To die.
Piquer la curiosité de quelqu’un = To rouse some one’s
curiosity.
Piquer la curiosité de quelqu’un = To spark someone's curiosity.
Il se pique d’un rien = He takes offence at the slightest thing.
Il se pique d’un rien = He gets offended over the smallest things.
Il s’est piqué d’honneur = He made it a point of honour; He was
put upon his mettle.
Il s’est piqué d’honneur = He took it seriously; He was challenged.
Piquer des deux = (lit.) To spur a horse with both heels; To
gallop off at full speed; (fig.) To run very fast.
Piquer des deux = (lit.) To spur a horse with both heels; To
gallop off at full speed; (fig.) To run really fast.
Piquer une tête (fam.) = To take a header.
Piquer une tête (slang) = To dive in headfirst.
Voilà un discours qui n’est pas piqué des vers = That’s a fine
speech if you like [lit. not worm-eaten.]
Voilà un discours qui n’est pas piqué des vers = That's a great speech if you like [lit. not worm-eaten.]
Se piquer au jeu = (lit.) To continue obstinately to play
although losing; (fig.) To go on in an enterprise in spite of all
obstacles.
Se piquer au jeu = (lit.) To stubbornly keep playing even when losing; (fig.) To persist in a venture despite all obstacles.
*Qui va à la chasse perd sa place = If you leave your place,
you lose it.
*Qui va à la chasse perd sa place = If you leave your spot, you lose it.*
“Accordez-vous si votre affaire est bonne,
Si votre cause est
mauvaise, plaidez.”
[J. B. Rousseau, Épigrammes, ii.
19] = If you’ve a good case, try and compromise; If you’ve a bad
one, take it into court.
“Accordez-vous si votre affaire est bonne,
Si votre cause est
mauvaise, plaidez.”
[J.B. Rousseau, Épigrammes, ii.
19] = If you have a strong case, try to reach a settlement; if your case isn't strong, bring it to court.
Il ne demande que plaie et bosse = He seeks quarrels only to
draw profit from them.
Il ne demande que plaie et bosse = He only seeks conflict to benefit from it.
Il ne cherche que plaie et bosse = He is always hankering after
a black eye.
Il ne cherche que plaie et bosse = He is always looking for trouble.
Une bonne plaisanterie mérite les honneurs du bis = A good tale
is none the worse for being told twice.
Une bonne plaisanterie mérite les honneurs du bis = A good story is even better when told twice.
Reléguer (mettre) au second plan = To put into the background.
Reléguer (mettre) au second plan = To put into the background.
Faire la planche = 1. To show others the way; 2. To float on
one’s back.
Faire la planche = 1. To guide others; 2. To lie on one's back and float.
C’est sa planche de salut = It is his last hope, his
sheet-anchor.
C’est sa planche de salut = It's his last hope, his lifeline.
Le plancher des vaches (fam.) = Dry land; Terra firma.
Le plancher des vaches (fam.) = Solid ground; Terra firma.
Débarrasse-moi le plancher (fam.) = Get out of my way.
Débarrasse-moi le plancher (fam.) = Get out of my way.
Vous m’avez planté là = You left me without any warning; You
left me in the lurch.
Vous m’avez planté là = You ditched me; You left me high and dry.
Il nous a servi un plat de son métier (or, de sa façon) = He
played us one of his tricks.
Il nous a servi un plat de son métier (or, de sa façon) = He showed us one of his tricks.
On mit les petits plats dans les grands pour le bien recevoir
(fam.) = They spared neither trouble nor money to receive him
well; They received him with much fuss.
On mit les petits plats dans les grands pour le bien recevoir
(fam.) = They went all out to welcome him; They received him with a lot of fuss.
Il a mis les pieds dans le plat (fam.) = He put his foot in it.
Il a mis les pieds dans le plat (fam.) = He put his foot in it.
Ce mari bat sa femme comme plâtre = That husband beats his wife
like a dog.
Ce mari bat sa femme comme plâtre = That husband beats his wife like a dog.
Essuyer les plâtres = To live in a newly-built house (and
therefore damp). (See Essuyer.)
Essuyer les plâtres = To live in a newly-built house (which can be damp). (See Essuyer.)
Battre son plein = To be in full swing.
Battre son plein = To be going strong.
Plein comme un œuf (fam.) = Chock-full.
Plein comme un œuf (slang) = Packed full.
En pleine rue = In the open street.
En pleine rue = In the middle of the street.
En pleine mer = On the high seas.
En pleine mer = In the open sea.
La niaise! pleurer à chaudes larmes pour une vétille = The
silly girl! to cry her eyes out for a trifle.
La niaise! pleurer à chaudes larmes pour une vétille = The
silly girl! crying her eyes out over something trivial.
Pleuvoir des hallebardes = To rain cats, dogs, and pitchforks.
Pleuvoir des hallebardes = To rain cats, dogs, and pitchforks.
Cela ne fera pas un pli = There will not be the slightest
difficulty.
Cela ne fera pas un pli = There won't be any difficulty at all.
Si vous n’y prenez (pas) garde, il prendra un mauvais pli = If
you are not careful he will get into bad habits.
Si vous n’y prenez (pas) garde, il prendra un mauvais pli = If you’re not careful, he’ll pick up some bad habits.
*Après la pluie le beau temps = Every cloud has a silver lining.
*Après la pluie le beau temps = Every cloud has a silver lining.*
Nous parlions de la pluie et du beau temps = We were talking of
indifferent matters.
Nous parlions de la pluie et du beau temps = We were talking about small talk.
Il fait la pluie et le beau temps dans cette maison = His will
is law in that house; He is the boss of that show (fam.).
Il fait la pluie et le beau temps dans cette maison = His word is final in that house; He runs the show (informal).
*Plus on a, plus on veut avoir = Much would have more.
*Plus on a, plus on veut avoir = The more we have, the more we want.*
Il connaît Paris comme sa poche = He knows Paris perfectly; He
knows all the ins and outs of Paris; His knowledge of Paris is
extensive and peculiar.
Il connaît Paris comme sa poche = He knows Paris like the back of his hand; He knows all the ins and outs of Paris; His knowledge of Paris is deep and unique.
Un brave à trois poils = The bravest of the brave; A hero of
the first water.
Un brave à trois poils = The bravest of the brave; A top-tier hero.
[This expression is derived from three-piled velvet. See
Molière, Les Précieuses Ridicules, 12.]
[This expression comes from three-piled velvet. See Molière, Les Précieuses Ridicules, 12.]
Monter à poil = To ride barebacked.
Monter à poil = To ride without a saddle.
*Un point à temps en épargne cent = A stitch in time saves nine.
*Un point à temps en épargne cent = A stitch in time saves nine.
[Spanish: Quien no adoba gotera adoba casa entera = Who repairs
not his gutter repairs his whole house.]
[Spanish: Quien no adoba gotera adoba casa entera = Whoever doesn’t fix their gutter ends up fixing their whole house.]
Cela vient à point = That comes opportunely.
Cela vient à point = That comes at the right time.
La viande est cuite à point = The meat is done to a turn.
La viande est cuite à point = The meat is perfectly cooked.
Vous venez à point nommé = You come in the nick of time, at the
necessary moment, just when you are wanted.
Vous venez à point nommé = You arrive at just the right time, exactly when you’re needed.
Mettez les points sur les i = Be precise, clear (in speaking or
writing); Cross your t’s and dot your i’s.
Mettez les points sur les i = Be precise, clear (in speaking or writing); Cross your t’s and dot your i’s.
Il vous rendrait des points = He is more than a match for you;
He could give you points.
Il vous rendrait des points = He can definitely hold his own against you; He could give you a boost.
Il vous rendra des points = He will give you odds (at a game).
Il vous rendra des points = He will give you points (in a game).
Il y a un point noir à l’horizon = There are breakers ahead.
Il y a un point noir à l’horizon = There are obstacles ahead.
*Coupons la poire en deux = Let us split the difference.
*Coupons la poire en deux = Let’s meet in the middle.
Elle faisait trop sa poire (pop.) = She needed pressing; She
played the prude (or, disdainful).
Elle faisait trop sa poire (pop.) = She needed pressing; She played the prude (or, disdainful).
[“Il était trop homme pour faire sa poire.”]
[“He was too much of a man to play the fool.”]
Nous en causerons entre la poire et le fromage = We will talk
it over at dessert.
Nous en causerons entre la poire et le fromage = We will discuss it over dessert.
Garder une poire pour la soif = To lay up something for a rainy
day.
Garder une poire pour la soif = To save something for when you need it.
On lui a fait un poisson d’avril = They made him an April fool.
On lui a fait un poisson d’avril = They played an April Fools' joke on him.
Je suis comme un poisson sur la paille = I am like a fish out
of water.
Je suis comme un poisson sur la paille = I'm like a fish out of water.
C’est le secret de Polichinelle = It is an open secret; Every
one knows it.
C’est le secret de Polichinelle = It’s common knowledge; everyone is aware of it.
Il a avalé la pratique de Polichinelle = He is very hoarse.
Il a avalé la pratique de Polichinelle = He is really hoarse.
[La pratique de Polichinelle is the squeaker that a
Punch-and-Judy man puts in his mouth during a performance.]
[La pratique de Polichinelle is the squeaky toy that a Punch-and-Judy performer puts in their mouth during a show.]
*Force politesse, trop de finesse = Full of courtesy, full of
craft.
Force politesse, trop de finesse = Full of courtesy, full of skill.
Il se porte comme le Pont Neuf = He is in splendid health.
Il se porte comme le Pont Neuf = He is in great shape.
C’est vieux comme le Pont Neuf = Queen Anne is dead; It is as
old as the hills.
C’est vieux comme le Pont Neuf = Queen Anne is dead; It's ancient.
[The Pont Neuf was finished in 1604 during the reign of Henry IV.,
and is now the oldest bridge in Paris. The statue of Henry IV. in
the middle of the bridge was erected originally in 1635, but the
present one dates only from 1818.
[The Pont Neuf was completed in 1604 during Henry IV's reign and is now the oldest bridge in Paris. The statue of Henry IV in the center of the bridge was originally erected in 1635, but the one that stands there today was installed in 1818.]
Another expression is:
Henri Quatre est sur le Pont Neuf = That’s stale news.]
Another expression is:
Henri Quatre est sur le Pont Neuf = That’s old news.
Il a l’air de revenir de Pontoise = He looks down in the mouth;
He answers in a silly fashion.
Il a l’air de revenir de Pontoise = He looks really glum;
He responds in a goofy way.
[The origin of this expression is said to be that in 1720 and in
1753 the Parlement was exiled to Pontoise, about twenty miles
north of Paris, for its rebellion to the King. Perhaps from the
fact that when they returned they were besieged with questions, to
which they gave confused answers, the saying arose and was applied
to anyone that had a simple, idiotic appearance.]
[The origin of this expression is said to be that in 1720 and in 1753 the Parlement was exiled to Pontoise, about twenty miles north of Paris, for rebelling against the King. Perhaps because, upon their return, they were bombarded with questions, to which they responded with confused answers, the saying came about and was applied to anyone who had a simple, foolish appearance.]
Ils ont mis la clef sous la porte = They absconded.
Ils ont mis la clef sous la porte = They disappeared without a trace.
Il faut qu’une porte soit ouverte ou fermée = You must decide
one way or the other.
Il faut qu’une porte soit ouverte ou fermée = You have to choose one way or the other.
[The title of one of Alfred de Musset’s Proverbes.]
[The title of one of Alfred de Musset’s Proverbes.]
On l’a mis à la porte = They turned him out.
On l’a mis à la porte = They kicked him out.
Il a été mis à la porte par les oreilles et les deux épaules =
He was turned out ignominiously, neck and crop.
Il a été mis à la porte par les oreilles et les deux épaules = He was kicked out in disgrace.
On a condamné la porte = The door is nailed up, blocked up.
On a condamné la porte = The door is sealed shut, blocked off.
À sa portée (or, à portée de sa main) = Within his reach.
À sa portée (or, à portée de sa main) = Within his reach.
À (la) portée de la voix = Within call.
À (la) portée de la voix = Within earshot.
À (une) portée de fusil = Within gunshot.
À (une) portée de fusil = Within shooting range.
C’est elle qui porte la culotte = She is mistress in this house
(not her husband); The grey mare is the better horse.
C’est elle qui porte la culotte = She is the one in charge in this house (not her husband); The grey mare is the better horse.
On le porte aux nues = They praise him to the skies.
On le porte aux nues = They sing his praises.
Ses plaisanteries portent coup = His jokes hit the mark.
Ses plaisanteries portent coup = His jokes are spot on.
C’est un poseur = He is a prig (lit. attitudiniser).
C’est un poseur = He is a poser.
[There are several varieties of prigs, e.g.—
un savantasse = a learned prig.
un collet monté = a stiff-and-starched prig.
un cafard = a Pecksniff.
un fat = a conceited ass.
un freluquet = a whipper-snapper.
See Journal of Education, March 1896.]
[There are several types of know-it-alls, e.g.—
un savantasse = a pedantic know-it-all.
un collet monté = a pompous know-it-all.
un cafard = a hypocritical person.
un fat = a self-important jerk.
un freluquet = a cocky upstart.
See Journal of Education, March 1896.
*En fait de meubles possession vaut titre = Possession is nine
points of the law.
*En fait de meubles possession vaut titre = Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Pas possible! = You don’t say so! “Well, I never!”
Pas possible! = You’ve got to be kidding! “I can’t believe it!”
Il découvrit bientôt le pot aux roses = He soon found out the
secret.
Il découvrit bientôt le pot aux roses = He soon discovered the secret.
*Un pot fêlé dure longtemps = A creaking door hangs long:
Ailing folk live longest.
*Un pot fêlé dure longtemps = A creaking door lasts a long time:
Sick people live the longest.
*Il n’y a si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle = Every
Jack must have his Jill.
*Il n’y a si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle = Every Jack must have his Jill.
[Also: À un boiteux, femme qui cloche.]
[Also: To a limp, a woman who limps.]
Il a reçu un pot-de-vin = He received a bribe, an illicit
commission.
Il a reçu un pot-de-vin = He took a bribe, an illegal payment.
[A pot-de-vin is a gratuity given to B by A because B obtained
for A an order from C. It implies the idea of a bribe, for if
everything had been fair A would not have obtained his order from
C, either because his terms were too high or his wares not good
enough.]
[A pot-de-vin is a tip given to B by A because B got A an order from C. It suggests the idea of a bribe, since if everything had been fair, A wouldn't have received his order from C, either because his prices were too high or his products weren't good enough.]
Payer les pots cassés = To stand the racket; To pay the damage;
To face the music.
Payer les pots cassés = To bear the consequences; To pay for the damages; To face the music.
Tourner autour du pot = To beat about the bush.
Tourner autour du pot = To avoid getting to the point.
C’est le pot de terre contre le pot de fer = It is a most
unequal combat.
C’est le pot de terre contre le pot de fer = It's a completely unfair fight.
Je vais potasser (piocher) un brin (students’ slang) = I’m
going to swot (mug up) a bit.
Je vais potasser (piocher) un brin (students’ slang) = I'm going to study a bit.
Faire du potin (chambard, boucan) (pop.) = To kick up a
row, a shindy.
Faire du potin (chambard, boucan) (pop.) = To make a fuss, to cause a scene.
Manger sur le pouce = To take a snack.
Manger sur le pouce = To grab a quick snack.
Mettre les pouces = To give in, to knuckle under.
Mettre les pouces = To give in, to surrender.
Lire du pouce (or, doigt) = To skip in reading (i.e. to do
more work with the thumb than the brain).
Lire du pouce (or, doigt) = To skim while reading (i.e. to use the thumb more than the brain).
*Il n’a pas inventé la poudre = He will never set the Thames on
fire.
*Il n’a pas inventé la poudre = He will never do anything extraordinary.
C’est une poule mouillée = He is a milk-sop.
C'est une poule mouillée = He is a coward.
Mettre un homme en pourpoint = To pull a man’s cloak off; To
ruin a man.
Mettre un homme en pourpoint = To take a man’s coat off; To ruin a man.
Se mettre en pourpoint = To be ready to fight; To roll up one’s
sleeves.
Se mettre en pourpoint = To be ready to fight; To get ready for action.
Tirer un coup (de pistolet, etc.) à brûle-pourpoint = To fire
point-blank.
Tirer un coup (de pistolet, etc.) à brûle-pourpoint = To shoot point-blank.
Un argument à brûle-pourpoint = A convincing argument.
Un argument à brûle-pourpoint = A strong argument.
Donner à quelqu’un un pourpoint de pierre = To give any one a
stone doublet; To imprison any one.
Donner à quelqu’un un pourpoint de pierre = To give someone a stone doublet; To imprison someone.
Je n’y puis rien = I cannot help it; I can do nothing in the
matter.
Je n’y puis rien = I can't do anything about it; I have no control over the situation.
Si faire se peut = If possible.
Si faire se peut = If it can be done.
Je n’en puis plus = I am done up, exhausted.
Je n’en puis plus = I'm all done, exhausted.
Je n’en puis mais = I cannot help it; It is no fault of mine.
(See Mais.)
Je n’en puis mais = I can't help it; It's not my fault.
(See Mais.)
Cela se peut = That may be.
Cela se peut = That might be.
Cela ne se peut pas = It cannot possibly be; It cannot be done.
Cela ne se peut pas = It can't be done; It's impossible.
On fait comme on peut = We must do the best we can; We have
done the best we could.
On fait comme on peut = We do our best; We did our best.
Il est toujours on ne peut plus aimable = He is always as nice
as can be.
Il est toujours on ne peut plus aimable = He is always as nice as possible.
Il prêche dans le désert = (lit.) He preaches to empty benches;
(fig.) All his talking will not convince any one.
Il prêche dans le désert = (lit.) He’s preaching to empty benches;
(fig.) No matter how much he talks, it won’t convince anyone.
Chacun prêche pour son saint = Every one has an eye to his own
interest.
Chacun prêche pour son saint = Everyone looks out for their own interests.
Nous sommes au premier = We are on the first floor.
Nous sommes au premier = We are on the first floor.
Nous sommes en première = We are in a first-class railway
carriage.
Nous sommes en première = We are in a first-class train car.
Le premier venu = (fig.) No matter who (or, whom); The man in
the street.
Le premier venu = (fig.) No matter who (or, whom); The average person.
*Les premiers vont devant = First come, first served.
*Les premiers vont devant = First come, first served.
[“Whoso first cometh to the mill, first grint.”—Chaucer.]
[“Whoever arrives at the mill first, grinds first.”—Chaucer.]
Il prend sur son sommeil pour étudier = He works far into the
night.
Il prend sur son sommeil pour étudier = He studies late into the night.
C’est autant de pris sur l’ennemi = So much saved out of the
fire; So much to the good.
C’est autant de pris sur l’ennemi = That’s a win against the enemy; That’s a benefit gained.
Bien lui en prit d’avoir fermé sa porte = It was lucky for him
that he shut his door.
Bien lui en prit d’avoir fermé sa porte = It was a good thing he closed his door.
Il prend le chemin de l’hôpital = He is on the highway to ruin.
Il prend le chemin de l’hôpital = He is on the road to destruction.
Je m’en prends à vous = I lay the blame at your door.
Je m’en prends à vous = I'm holding you responsible.
Je vous y prends = I catch you at it.
Je vous y prends = I catch you in the act.
Ça ne prend pas (fam.) = “That’s no go.”
Ça ne prend pas (fam.) = “That’s not happening.”
Je sors d’en prendre (fam.) = I had rather be excused; You will
not catch me again so soon.
Je sors d’en prendre (fam.) = I'd rather pass; You won't see me again anytime soon.
Qu’est-ce qui vous prend? = What is the matter with you?
Qu’est-ce qui vous prend? = What's wrong with you?
[This is said to persons doing something suddenly without any
apparent reason, or suddenly becoming bad-tempered, etc., not to
invalids.]
[This is said to people who do something abruptly without any clear reason, or who quickly become grumpy, etc., not to those who are unwell.]
Je vais vous montrer comment il faut s’y prendre = I am going
to show you how to set about it.
Je vais vous montrer comment il faut s’y prendre = I'm going to show you how to go about it.
*Ce qui est bon à prendre est bon à garder = What is worth
taking is worth keeping; “Findings, keepings.”
Ce qui est bon à prendre est bon à garder = If it's worth taking, it's worth keeping; “Finders, keepers.”
Prenez-vous-en à vous-même = You have yourself to thank for it.
Prenez-vous-en à vous-même = You can only blame yourself.
À tout prendre = On the whole; Everything considered.
À tout prendre = Overall; Considering everything.
À cela près il est bon enfant = Except for that he is a good
fellow.
À cela près il est bon enfant = Other than that, he's a good guy.
Il n’y a pas presse = There is no hurry!
Il n’y a pas presse = There's no rush!
*Plus on se presse, moins on arrive = The more haste, the less
speed.
*The more we rush, the less we achieve = The more haste, the less speed.
Fendre la presse = To make one’s way through the crowd.
Fendre la presse = To push through the crowd.
Courir la pretentaine = To gad about.
Courir la pretentaine = To hang out.
Il prête de l’argent à la petite semaine = He lends money for a
short time at a high rate of interest.
Il prête de l’argent à la petite semaine = He lends money for a short period at a high interest rate.
Un prêté pour un rendu = A Roland for an Oliver.
Un prêté pour un rendu = A favor for a favor.
Prêter le flanc à ... = To lay oneself open to...
Prêter le flanc à ... = To expose oneself to...
Prêter serment = To take the oath.
Prêter serment = To take the oath.
Ce drap prête = This stuff gives, stretches.
Ce drap prête = This material gives, stretches.
Elle prime par sa laideur = She takes the cake for ugliness.
Elle prime par sa laideur = She stands out for her ugliness.
Aux frais de la Princesse = At another’s expense (chiefly of
the State Government).
Aux frais de la Princesse = At someone else's cost (mainly of the State Government).
Ils étaient aux prises = They had closed; They were at close
quarters.
Ils étaient aux prises = They were locked in; They were up close.
Je les ai mis aux prises = I have set them one against the
other.
Je les ai mis aux prises = I have set them against each other.
Je leur ai donné prise sur moi = I gave them a handle on me.
Je leur ai donné prise sur moi = I gave them leverage over me.
Lâcher prise = To let go one’s hold.
Lâcher prise = To let go of one’s grip.
Sans autre forme de procès = Without any more ado.
Sans autre forme de procès = No further discussion needed.
Je l’ai envoyé promener (or, paître) = I sent him about his
business.
Je l’ai envoyé promener (or, paître) = I told him to take a hike.
Va te promener! (fam.) = Go to Jericho! Get along with you!
Va te promener! (fam.) = Go away! Scram!
[Compare: “Βάλλ᾽ εἰς μακαρίαν” = Go to Glory.—Plato,
Hipp. Major, 293A—a euphemism for Βάλλ᾽ εἰς ἅδον.]
[Compare: “Βάλλ᾽ εἰς μακαρίαν” = Go to Glory.—Plato,
Hipp. Major, 293A—a euphemism for Βάλλ᾽ εἰς ἅδον.]
*Chose promise, chose due = Promises should be kept.
*Chose promise, chose due = Promises should be honored.*
Promettre et tenir sont deux = It is one thing to promise,
another to perform.
Promettre et tenir sont deux = It's one thing to promise, another to actually follow through.
Il est venu fort à propos = He came very opportunely.
Il est venu fort à propos = He showed up right on time.
À propos, viendrez-vous ce soir? = By the way, shall you come
this evening?
À propos, viendrez-vous ce soir? = By the way, are you coming this evening?
L’à-propos fait le mérite = Seasonableness gives everything its
price.
L’à-propos fait le mérite = Timing gives everything its value.
À propos de bottes = With reference to nothing in particular;
With no reference to the subject in hand.
À propos de bottes = Referring to nothing in particular;
With no connection to the topic at hand.
Il le dit à tout propos = He says it on every occasion, at
every turn.
Il le dit à tout propos = He mentions it at every opportunity, all the time.
Il l’a fait de propos délibéré = He did it of set purpose; He
had made up his mind to do it.
Il l’a fait de propos délibéré = He did it on purpose; he had decided to do it.
Il l’a fait fort mal à propos = He did it very unseasonably,
just at the wrong time.
Il l’a fait fort mal à propos = He did it at a really bad time, just when it was least suitable.
C’est du propre (ironic.) = A fine thing indeed.
C’est du propre (ironic.) = It's really something.
Il n’a rien en propre = He has nothing of his own.
Il n’a rien en propre = He doesn’t have anything that belongs to him.
Un propre-à-rien = A good-for-naught.
Propre à tout et bon à rien = Jack of all trades and master of
none.
Propre à tout et bon à rien = Jack of all trades and master of none.
Propre comme un sou neuf = As clean as a whistle; As neat as a
new pin.
Propre comme un sou neuf = As clean as a whistle; As neat as a new pin.
Je ne le ferai pas pour des prunes (fam.) = I shall not do it
for nothing.
Je ne le ferai pas pour des prunes (fam.) = I won't do it for nothing.
[Also: Je ne le ferai pas pour le roi de Prusse. This latter
saying is said to have originated with Voltaire, who, after
having been exceedingly intimate with Frederick the Great, King
of Prussia, finally quarrelled with him. Both this King and his
father, Frederick William I., were known to be exacting and
miserly.]
[Also: Je ne le ferai pas pour le roi de Prusse. This saying is said to have come from Voltaire, who, after being very close with Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, eventually had a falling out with him. Both this King and his father, Frederick William I, were known to be demanding and stingy.]
Je lui ai mis la puce à l’oreille = I made him feel uneasy (by
rousing his suspicions, etc.); I sent him away with a flea in his
ear.
Je lui ai mis la puce à l’oreille = I made him suspicious; I sent him away wondering.
Cet homme est un puits de science = He is a man of deep
learning.
Cet homme est un puits de science = He is a well of knowledge.
Q.
Je le ferai quand même = I shall do it just the same; I shall
do it whatever it may cost.
Je le ferai quand même = I'll do it anyway; I'll do it no matter what it costs.
Se tenir sur son quant-à-soi = To stand on one’s dignity.
Se tenir sur son quant-à-soi = To stand one's ground.
Le quart d’heure de Rabelais = The moment of payment. (See
Heure.)
Le quart d’heure de Rabelais = The moment of payment. (See Heure.)
Passer un mauvais quart d’heure = To have a bad time of it.
Passer un mauvais quart d’heure = To have a rough time.
Avoir quinte et quatorze = To have the game in one’s own hand.
Avoir quinte et quatorze = To have the game in your own hands.
[This phrase refers to terms used in the game of piquet. Quinte
is to have five cards of the same colour, which counts fifteen.
Quatorze is to have four cards of the same value (i.e. four
knaves, aces, etc.), and counts fourteen.]
[This phrase refers to terms used in the game of piquet. Quinte means having five cards of the same suit, which scores fifteen points. Quatorze means having four cards of the same rank (i.e. four jacks, aces, etc.), and scores fourteen points.]
Il se mettrait en quatre pour un ami = He would go through fire
and water for a friend.
Il se mettrait en quatre pour un ami = He would do anything for a friend.
Faire le diable à quatre = To kick up a terrible noise; To
exert oneself to the utmost.
Faire le diable à quatre = To make a huge fuss; To put in maximum effort.
[This expression originated in the time of the miracle plays, when
four performers represented la grande diablerie, and less than
four la petite diablerie.]
[This expression started during the era of miracle plays, when four performers represented la grande diablerie, and fewer than four la petite diablerie.]
Entre quatre-z-yeux (fam.) = Between ourselves.
Entre quatre-z-yeux (fam.) = Just between us.
On le tenait à quatre = It needed four men to hold him down.
On le tenait à quatre = It took four men to hold him down.
Il se tenait à quatre pour ne pas lui dire des injures = It was
as much as he could do not to abuse him.
Il se tenait à quatre pour ne pas lui dire des injures = He was doing everything he could not to insult him.
Travailler comme quatre = To work like a nigger.
Travailler comme quatre = To work very hard.
*Ce que c’est que la vie! = What a strange thing life is! What
poor mortals we are! (See Ce.)
*Ce que c’est que la vie! = What a strange thing life is! What unfortunate beings we are! (See Ce.)
Ses louanges ne laissent pas que de me faire plaisir = I cannot
help feeling pleased at his kind words.
Ses louanges ne laissent pas que de me faire plaisir = I can't help but feel happy about his kind words.
La pièce n’est que quelconque = The piece (i.e. the play) is
quite an ordinary one.
La pièce n’est que quelconque = The play is pretty average.
C’est une famille où l’esprit est tombé en quenouille = In that
family only the women are clever; In that family the brains are
on the distaff side.
C’est une famille où l’esprit est tombé en quenouille = In that family, only the women are smart; In that family, intelligence is on the women's side.
N’épousez pas sa querelle = Do not take up his quarrel.
N’épousez pas sa querelle = Don't get involved in his fight.
Ils veulent vider leur querelle = They want to fight it out.
Ils veulent vider leur querelle = They want to settle their conflict.
Il serait bon à aller quérir la mort = He is very slow.
Il serait bon à aller quérir la mort = He is very slow.
Mettre en question = To call in question; To doubt.
Mettre en question = To question; To doubt.
Mettre à la question = To put to the torture.
Mettre à la question = To torture.
Qu’il n’en soit plus question = Do not bother me about it any
more; Let bygones be bygones. (See Oublier.)
Qu’il n’en soit plus question = Don't bring it up again; Let it go. (See Oublier.)
J’ai fait queue au théâtre pendant une heure = I waited outside
the theatre for an hour (before I could get in).
J’ai fait queue au théâtre pendant une heure = I waited in line at the theater for an hour (before I could get in).
On fait queue au théâtre = There is a crowd at the door of the
theatre (waiting for admittance).
On fait queue au théâtre = There’s a line at the theater (waiting to get in).
À la queue gît le venin = The sting is in the tail.
À la queue gît le venin = The sting is in the tail.
Aller à la queue leu-leu = To go in Indian file.
Aller à la queue leu-leu = To go in a single file line.
[Leu was the old French form of loup, so the phrase means to
walk as wolves do, one after the other.]
[Leu was the old French word for loup, so the phrase means to walk like wolves do, one after the other.]
Tenir la queue de la poêle = To be the leading spirit in an
affair.
Tenir la queue de la poêle = To be the driving force in a situation.
Pour qui connaît = To any one who knows.
Pour qui connaît = To anyone who knows.
Ils s’échappèrent qui par la porte, qui par les fenêtres = Some
escaped through the door, others through the windows.
Ils s’échappèrent qui par la porte, qui par les fenêtres = Some escaped through the door, while others got out through the windows.
*Qui s’excuse s’accuse = A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
*Qui s’excuse s’accuse = A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
C’est à qui le fera = They all wish to do it; They vie with one
another to do it. (See Mieux.)
C’est à qui le fera = They all want to do it; They compete with each other to do it. (See Mieux.)
Être réduit à quia = To be reduced to “because....”; To be
nonplussed.
Être réduit à quia = To be reduced to “because....”; To be confused.
Me voilà quitte envers lui = I owe him nothing now.
Me voilà quitte envers lui = I don't owe him anything now.
Vous en êtes quitte à bon marché = You come off cheap.
Vous en êtes quitte à bon marché = You get off easy.
J’en ai été quitte pour la peur = I escaped with a good fright.
J’en ai été quitte pour la peur = I got away with just a scare.
J’irai, quitte à être grondé = I shall go, even if I am
scolded; I shall go, and chance the scolding.
J’irai, quitte à être grondé = I will go, even if I’m scolded; I’ll go and risk getting scolded.
J’ai de quoi payer = I have enough to pay.
J’ai de quoi payer = I have enough to pay.
Il n’y a pas là de quoi pleurer = It is not worth crying about.
Il n’y a pas là de quoi pleurer = It's not worth crying over.
Il n’y a pas de quoi rire = It is no laughing matter.
Il n’y a pas de quoi rire = This is serious.
Il n’y a pas de quoi (fam.) = Pray don’t mention it; There is
no necessity to apologise. (See Avoir.)
Il n’y a pas de quoi (fam.) = No problem; There's no need to apologize. (See Avoir.)
De quoi vous mêlez-vous? = What business is that of yours?
De quoi vous mêlez-vous? = What’s that got to do with you?
Un je ne sais quoi = A “something” (I know not what).
Un je ne sais quoi = A “thing” (I don’t know what).
[Elle avait je ne sais quoi de charmant = She had a vague,
indescribable charm.]
Elle avait je ne sais quoi de charmant = She had an indescribable charm that was hard to place.
C’est un filou, quoi! (pop.) = In a word, he’s a scamp.
C’est un filou, quoi! (pop.) = In short, he’s a troublemaker.
R.
Vente au rabais = Sale at reduced prices; “Selling off.”
Vente au rabais = Sale at discounted prices; “Clearing out.”
Rabattre le caquet à quelqu’un (pop.) = To take a person down a
peg; To stop his jaw; To cut his cackle.
Rabattre le caquet à quelqu’un (pop.) = To bring someone down a notch; To shut someone up; To stop their chatter.
Il n’a pas un radis (fam.) = He has not a brass farthing. (See
Liard.)
Il n’a pas un radis (fam.) = He doesn't have a penny to his name. (See Liard.)
Cela passe la raillerie = That is beyond a joke. (See
Entendre.)
Cela passe la raillerie = That's beyond a joke. (See Entendre.)
Il n’entend pas raison là-dessus = He will not listen to reason
on that point.
Il n’entend pas raison là-dessus = He won't listen to reason on that.
Se faire raison à soi-même = To take the law into one’s own
hands.
Se faire raison à soi-même = To take matters into your own hands.
Comme de raison = Rightly enough; As might be expected.
Comme de raison = Fair enough; As you would expect.
Plus que de raison = More than is reasonable.
Plus que de raison = More than is reasonable.
Raison de plus = All the more reason.
Raison de plus = Even more reason.
Avoir des raisons avec quelqu’un = To have words with any one;
To quarrel with any one.
Avoir des raisons avec quelqu’un = To have a disagreement with someone; To argue with someone.
Il faut se faire une raison = We must be guided by reason; We
must look at things from a reasonable point of view.
Il faut se faire une raison = We need to accept reality; We should view things from a rational perspective.
[E.g. not go on worrying after a great loss.]
[E.g. don't keep worrying after a significant loss.]
Donner raison à quelqu’un = To say any one is right; To give
satisfaction to any one (either legally or by a duel).
Donner raison à quelqu’un = To say someone is right; To satisfy someone (either legally or through a duel).
On l’a mis au rancart = He has been put on the shelf.
On l’a mis au rancart = He’s been sidelined.
[Also: Il est sous la remise.]
He is under the discount.
*Tel qui brille au second rang s’éclipse au premier = A good
subordinate often makes a bad leader.
Tel qui brille au second rang s’éclipse au premier = A good subordinate often makes a bad leader.
Il s’est rangé = He has settled down (after sowing his wild
oats).
Il s’est rangé = He has settled down (after living a wild life).
Vous devenez bien rare = You are quite a stranger.
Vous devenez bien rare = You’ve become quite rare.
C’est un raseur (fam.) = He is a bore.
C’est un raseur (fam.) = He’s a bore.
[Une bassinoire = a passive bore.]
Il est gueux comme un rat d’église = He is as poor as a church
mouse.
Il est gueux comme un rat d’église = He is as broke as a church mouse.
Il ne se foule pas la rate (pop.) = He does not overwork
himself; He takes things easily.
Il ne se foule pas la rate (pop.) = He doesn't push himself too hard; he takes things easy.
[Also: Il ne se foule pas le poignet.]
He doesn't sprain his wrist.
Cela lui désopilera la rate = That will cheer him up.
Cela lui désopilera la rate = That will make him feel better.
Il mange à plus d’un râtelier = He has more than one string to
his bow; He gains money from different sources.
Il mange à plus d’un râtelier = He has more than one source of income; He makes money from various places.
*Bien fin qui me rattrapera = Once bit, twice shy; They won’t
catch me doing that again.
*Bien fin qui me rattrapera = Once bitten, twice shy; They won’t catch me doing that again.
Il prend les choses à rebours = He misconstrues everything.
Il prend les choses à rebours = He gets everything wrong.
À rebrousse poil = Against the grain; (To rub) the wrong way.
À rebrousse poil = Against the grain; (To rub) the wrong way.
Je vous reconnais bien là = That is just like you.
Je vous reconnais bien là = That's so typical of you.
Je ne m’y reconnais plus = I don’t know where I am, what I am
about; I am quite at sea.
Je ne m’y reconnais plus = I don’t recognize myself anymore; I feel lost and confused.
Il a reculé pour mieux sauter = 1. He waited for something
better. 2. (ironic.) He avoided a small evil to fall into a
greater.
Il a reculé pour mieux sauter = 1. He held back to get something better. 2. (ironic.) He dodged a small issue only to face a bigger one.
[Compare: Mieux reculer que mal assaillir.]
Better to retreat than attack poorly.
Marcher à reculons = To walk backwards.
Marcher à reculons = To walk backward.
Il trouve toujours à redire = He is always finding fault.
Il trouve toujours à redire = He’s always complaining.
Il n’y a rien à redire à cela = There is no fault to be found
with that; That is quite all right.
Il n’y a rien à redire à cela = There's nothing wrong with that; That’s totally fine.
Réflexion faite = After due reflection; On second thoughts.
Réflexion faite = After thinking it over; On second thoughts.
C’est le refrain de la ballade = It is the old story over again.
C’est le refrain de la ballade = It’s the same old story again.
[“C’est toujours le refrain qu’ils font à leur
ballade.”—Régnier, Sat. i.]
[“It’s always the same old song they sing in their ballad.”—Régnier, Sat. i.]
Cela n’est pas de refus (fam.) = That is very acceptable; I
won’t say no to that.
Cela n’est pas de refus (fam.) = That's totally fine; I won't turn that down.
*Qui refuse muse =
“He who will not when he may,
When he will he shall have nay.”
Qui refuse muse =
“If you don’t take the chance when you have it,
You won't get it when you want it.”
N’y regardez pas de si près = Do not be so particular.
N’y regardez pas de si près = Don't be so picky.
Cela ne me regarde pas = That is not my business; That does not
concern me.
Cela ne me regarde pas = That's not my business; That doesn't concern me.
J’y regarderai à deux fois = I shall think twice before doing
it.
J’y regarderai à deux fois = I'll think twice before doing it.
Il est réglé comme un papier de musique = He is as regular as
clockwork.
Il est réglé comme un papier de musique = He is as regular as clockwork.
Nous poursuivîmes l’ennemi l’épée dans les reins = We followed
the enemy close at his heels.
Nous poursuivîmes l’ennemi l’épée dans les reins = We chased the enemy closely, sword at his back.
Il s’est donné un tour de reins = He sprained his back.
Il s’est donné un tour de reins = He sprained his back.
Il a les reins solides = (lit.) He is strong; (fig.) He has a
long purse.
Il a les reins solides = (lit.) He is strong; (fig.) He has deep pockets.
C’est un gros réjoui = He is a big jolly fellow.
C’est un gros réjoui = He is a really cheerful guy.
*À chose faite point de remède = What is done cannot be undone.
*À chose faite point de remède = What's done is done.*
[“Factum est illud: fieri infectum non potest.”—Plautus.]
[“That is done: what has been done cannot be undone.”—Plautus.]
Gros Jean qui en remontre à son curé = Hodge tries to teach the
Parson how to preach; He teaches his grandmother to suck eggs.
Gros Jean qui en remontre à son curé = Hodge tries to show the Parson how to preach; It's like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs.
Il a remporté la victoire = He carried the day.
Il a remporté la victoire = He won the day.
*Renard qui dort la matinée
N’a pas la gueule emplumée =
’Tis the early bird that catches the worm.
*Renard qui dort la matinée
N’a pas la gueule emplumée =
The early bird catches the worm.
Il renchérit sur tout ce qu’il entend dire = He caps every
story he hears told.
Il renchérit sur tout ce qu’il entend dire = He one-ups every story he hears.
Les beaux esprits se rencontrent = Great wits jump together.
Les beaux esprits se rencontrent = Great minds think alike.
[When two persons happen to say the same thing at the same time.]
[When two people happen to say the same thing at the same time.]
Pour renfort de potage = Into the bargain; In addition.
Pour renfort de potage = On top of that; Additionally.
[Molière, Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, iii. 3.]
[Molière, The Bourgeois Gentleman, iii. 3.]
C’est toujours la même rengaine (fam.) = It is always the same
old story.
C’est toujours la même rengaine (fam.) = It’s always the same old story.
*Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinture dorée = A good name is
better than riches. (See Ceinture.)
A good reputation is worth more than a golden belt = A good name is better than riches. (See Ceinture.)
C’est un homme très répandu = He is a man who goes into society
a great deal.
C’est un homme très répandu = He is a man who is very active in society.
*Le repentir vient ordinairement trop tard = Do a thing in
haste and repent at leisure.
*Le repentir vient ordinairement trop tard = Act quickly and regret it later.
Je vous en réponds! = I will be bound it is; I should think so,
indeed! You take my word for it.
Je vous en réponds! = I promise you it is; I would think so, for sure! You can trust me on that.
J’ai appelé mon domestique à plusieurs reprises = I called my
servant several times.
J’ai appelé mon domestique à plusieurs reprises = I called my servant several times.
Il me reproche les morceaux = He grudges me the very food I eat.
Il me reproche les morceaux = He resents me for the very food I eat.
Je ne puis m’y résoudre = I cannot make up my mind to do it.
Je ne puis m’y résoudre = I can't bring myself to do it.
Ce n’est pas de mon ressort = That is not within my province,
“not in my line.”
Ce n’est pas de mon ressort = That's not my area,
“not my responsibility.”
Il a fait jouer tous les ressorts = He used all the means in
his power.
Il a fait jouer tous les ressorts = He pulled out all the stops.
Ce tribunal juge en dernier ressort = This court tries without
appeal; There is no appeal from the findings of this court.
Ce tribunal juge en dernier ressort = This court rules without appeal; There is no appealing the decisions made by this court.
Je ne veux pas être en reste avec vous = I do not want to do
less for you than you have done for me.
Je ne veux pas être en reste avec vous = I don’t want to do less for you than you’ve done for me.
J’en ai de reste = I have more than enough.
J’en ai de reste = I have plenty.
Il n’a pas demandé son reste! = He soon took himself off, I can
tell you! He soon shut up, I can tell you!
Il n’a pas demandé son reste! = He quickly left, let me tell you! He quickly fell silent, I can tell you!
Il est perdu sans retour = He is past all hope.
Il est perdu sans retour = He has no chance of coming back.
Il demeure à l’étranger sans esprit de retour = He is living
abroad without thinking of returning.
Il demeure à l’étranger sans esprit de retour = He’s living abroad with no plans to come back.
Il me paie de retour = He loves (or, hates) me as much as I
love (or hate) him.
Il me paie de retour = He loves (or, hates) me as much as I love (or hate) him.
[E.g. “Vous dites que vous aimez votre mère, mais elle vous paie
bien de retour.”]
[E.g. “You say you love your mother, but she pays you back well.”]
Je sais de quoi il retourne = I know how matters stand.
Je sais de quoi il retourne = I know what's going on.
Battre la retraite = To beat tattoo (or, the retreat.)
Battre la retraite = To beat the drums (or, the retreat.)
Battre en retraite = To retreat.
Je le retrouverai bien = He will not escape me.
Je le retrouverai bien = He won't get away from me.
Avoir d’une chose à revendre = To have more than enough of a
thing.
Avoir d’une chose à revendre = To have way more than you need of something.
*Revenons à nos moutons = But to return to our subject. (See
Mouton.)
*Revenons à nos moutons = But let's get back to our topic. (See Mouton.)
Vous en revenez toujours là = You are always harping on that
string.
Vous en revenez toujours là = You keep bringing that up.
Je n’en reviens pas = I cannot get over it (astonishment).
Je n’en reviens pas = I can’t believe it (astonishment).
[Or, pop., “j’en suis baba.”]
[Or, pop., “I’m blown away.”]
N’y revenez pas = (lit.) Do not come here again; (fig.) Do not
do that again.
N’y revenez pas = (lit.) Don't come back here; (fig.) Don't do that again.
Cela revient à dire = That amounts to saying.
Cela revient à dire = That means.
Cela revient au même = That is just the same thing.
Cela revient au même = That's the same thing.
Je reviens de loin = (lit.) I come from a long distance; (fig.)
I am recovering from a long illness.
Je reviens de loin = (lit.) I’ve come a long way; (fig.) I’m recovering from a long illness.
Son nom ne me revient pas = I do not recollect his name.
Son nom ne me revient pas = I can't remember his name.
Sa figure me revient = I like his face.
Sa figure me revient = I like his face.
Je suis bien revenu sur le compte de votre frère = I have lost
all the illusions I had of your brother.
Je suis bien revenu sur le compte de votre frère = I've completely lost all the illusions I had about your brother.
Cet homme rêve tout éveillé = That man dreams with his eyes
open.
Cet homme rêve tout éveillé = That man dreams while he's wide awake.
*Toute médaille a son revers = There is a dark side to every
picture.
Toute médaille a son revers = Every medal has its downside.
À revoir = To be revised.
Au revoir! = Till we meet again.
La richesse rend honnête = Rich men have no faults.
La richesse rend honnête = Wealthy people have no flaws.
[The bishop’s pun may be repeated: “Get on, get honour, get
honest.”
[The bishop’s pun can still be used: “Get going, gain respect, stay true.”
“Quand on est couronnée, on a toujours le nez bien
fait.”—Perrault, Les Souhaits ridicules.]
“Whenever you’re crowned, you always have a well-shaped nose.”—Perrault, Les Souhaits ridicules.
“Dans le siècle où nous sommes,
On ne donne rien pour rien”
= At the present day people give nothing for nothing, and
precious little for sixpence.
“In this day and age,
"Nothing is free."
= Nowadays, people give nothing for nothing, and very little for sixpence.
[Molière, École des Femmes, iii. 2. Rien here shows
its derivation from rem (a thing). It was not always used with
ne.]
[Molière, École des Femmes, iii. 2. Nothing here shows its origin from rem (a thing). It wasn’t always used with ne.]
Ne faites semblant de rien = Look as if nothing were the matter.
Ne faites semblant de rien = Act like nothing's wrong.
Comme si de rien n’était = As if nothing were the matter.
Comme si de rien n’était = As if nothing is wrong.
*Qui ne risque rien n’a rien = Nothing venture, nothing win.
Qui ne risque rien n’a rien = You have to take risks to get rewards.
[“Qui ne s’aventure perd cheval et mule.”]
[“Those who don’t take risks lose both horse and mule.”]
*Qui ne demande rien n’a rien = Lose nothing for want of
asking; If you do not ask, you will not get.
*Qui ne demande rien n’a rien = You won’t gain anything if you don’t ask; If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.
Il ne sait rien de rien = 1. He knows absolutely nothing. 2. He
is quite in the dark.
Il ne sait rien de rien = 1. He knows absolutely nothing. 2. He is completely clueless.
En un rien de temps = In a trice.
En un rien de temps = In no time.
En moins de rien = In less than no time.
En moins de rien = In no time at all.
Pas plus gros que rien = Next to nothing.
Pas plus gros que rien = Almost nothing.
Il n’est rien moins que courageux = He is anything but
courageous.
Il n’est rien moins que courageux = He is anything but brave.
Pour rien au monde = Not for the life of me.
Pour rien au monde = Not for anything in the world.
Se rincer la dalle (pop.) = To wet one’s whistle.
Se rincer la dalle (pop.) = To have a drink.
*Rira bien qui rira le dernier = They have most to laugh at who
laugh last; Let them laugh that win.
*Rira bien qui rira le dernier = Those who laugh last have the best laugh; let the winners have their joy.
*Tel qui rit vendredi dimanche pleurera = Sorrow treads on the
heels of mirth; Laugh to-day and cry to-morrow.
*Tel qui rit vendredi dimanche pleurera = Sorrow follows close behind joy; Laugh today and cry tomorrow.
*Marchand qui perd ne peut rire = Let those laugh who win.
*Marchand qui perd ne peut rire = Let those laugh who win.
Il a toujours le mot pour rire = He is ever ready with a joke;
He is full of fun.
Il a toujours le mot pour rire = He’s always got a joke ready;
He’s full of fun.
Il m’a ri au nez = He laughed in my face.
Il m’a ri au nez = He laughed right in my face.
Rire aux éclats = To roar with laughter.
Rire aux éclats = To laugh out loud.
Je me tordais de rire (fam.) = I was splitting my sides with
laughter.
Je me tordais de rire (fam.) = I was cracking up.
Il riait à gorge déployée = He was roaring with laughter.
Il riait à gorge déployée = He was laughing heartily.
Rire dans sa barbe (or, sous cape) = To laugh in one’s
sleeve. (See Cape.)
Rire dans sa barbe (or, sous cape) = To laugh to oneself. (See Cape.)
Rire du bout des dents = To force a laugh.
Rire du bout des dents = To fake a laugh.
Rire jaune = To laugh on the wrong side of one’s mouth.
Rire jaune = To laugh awkwardly.
Rire aux anges = 1. To laugh immoderately; 2. To laugh to
oneself.
Rire aux anges = 1. To laugh excessively; 2. To laugh to oneself.
C’est un pince-sans-rire = He is a dry joker.
C’est un pince-sans-rire = He's a deadpan comedian.
Il est la risée de tout le monde = He is the laughing-stock of
every one.
Il est la risée de tout le monde = He is the joke of everyone.
C’est un homme de la vieille roche = He belongs to the good old
stock; He is a man of the old school.
C’est un homme de la vieille roche = He’s a man of the old school; He comes from good stock.
Clair comme de l’eau de roche = As clear as crystal.
Clair comme de l’eau de roche = Clear as day.
C’est la cour du roi Pétaud = This is bedlam let loose; Dover
Court—all speakers, no hearers.
C’est la cour du roi Pétaud = This is chaos unleashed; Dover Court—all talkers, no listeners.
[Le roi Pétaud (Lat. peto = I ask) was the chief that beggars
used to choose for themselves. As he had no more authority than
his subjects, the name is given to a house where every one is
master. Comp. Molière, Tartufe, i. 1.—
“On n’y respecte rien, chacun y parle haut,
Et c’est tout justement la cour du roi Pétaud.”
A variant is: “C’est une vraie pétaudière.”]
[Le roi Pétaud (Lat. peto = I ask) was the leader that beggars used to elect for themselves. Since he held no more authority than his followers, this name is used for a place where everyone is in charge. Comp. Molière, Tartufe, i. 1.—
“Nothing is taken seriously there, everyone talks loudly,
And that’s precisely the court of King Pétaud.”
Another way to say it is: “It’s a true pétaudière.”]
Le roi n’est pas son cousin = He is very haughty (so that he
would not acknowledge the king as his cousin).
Le roi n’est pas son cousin = He is very arrogant (so he wouldn’t recognize the king as his cousin).
Applaudir un acteur à tout rompre = To applaud an actor so as
to bring the house down (to lift the roof).
Applaudir un acteur à tout rompre = To applaud an actor so loudly that it brings the house down (to raise the roof).
Il y va rondement = He acts frankly and quickly.
Il y va rondement = He acts openly and swiftly.
Il mènera cette affaire rondement = He will not dally about
that matter.
Il mènera cette affaire rondement = He will handle that matter efficiently.
Il n’est point de rose sans épines = Every rose has its thorn;
No rose without a thorn.
Il n’est point de rose sans épines = Every rose has its thorn; No rose without a thorn.
Il ne faut pas s’endormir sur le rôti = We must keep our wits
about us; We must not neglect our work; We must not be too slow
over it; We must not rest on our laurels.
Il ne faut pas s’endormir sur le rôti = We need to stay alert; We must not ignore our responsibilities; We must not be too lazy about it; We must not get complacent.
[Literally, to go to sleep whilst cooking the meat.]
[Literally, to fall asleep while cooking the meat.]
Il fait la roue = He shows off.
Il fait la roue = He is showing off.
Se fâcher tout rouge = To get into a passion.
Se fâcher tout rouge = To get really angry.
Voir rouge = To be seized with a sudden thirst for blood.
Voir rouge = To experience an intense craving for blood.
Cela marche comme sur des roulettes = That is getting on
swimmingly.
Cela marche comme sur des roulettes = It's going really well.
Être plus royaliste que le roi (plus catholique que le pape)
= To out-Herod Herod.
Être plus royaliste que le roi (plus catholique que le pape)
= To out-Herod Herod.
“La royauté, place noyée de lumière où toute tache paraît une
fange sordide” =
“In that fierce light which beats upon a throne
And blackens every blot.”
[Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Dedication.]
“La royauté, place noyée de lumière où toute tache paraît une fange sordide” =
“In that harsh light that shines on a throne
And darkens every stain.”
[Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Dedication.]
Faire (or, payer) rubis sur l’ongle = To pay to the last
farthing.
Faire (or, payer) rubis sur l’ongle = To pay in full or exactly.
[This expression means literally to drain a tumbler so completely
that there just remains in it one drop of wine, which being put on
the nail looks like a ruby.
“Je sirote mon vin, quel qu’il soit, vieux, nouveau;
Je fais rubis sur l’ongle, et n’y mets jamais d’eau.”
Regnard, Folies Amoureuses, iii. 4.]
[This expression means to finish off a drink so completely that only one drop of wine is left, and when that drop is placed on a nail, it looks like a ruby.
“I drink my wine, whether it's old or new;
I make a ruby on my nail and never dilute it.”
Regnard, Folies Amoureuses, iii. 4.]
*Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières = Many a little
makes a mickle.
*Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières = Many small things add up to big ones.
S.
*Autant pèche celui qui tient le sac que celui qui met dedans =
The receiver is as bad as the thief.
*Autant pèche celui qui tient le sac que celui qui met dedans = The person holding the bag is just as guilty as the one putting things in it.*
[Wer die Letter hält ist so schuldig wie der Dieb.]
[Whoever holds the letter is as guilty as the thief.]
Tu sais que je n’ai plus le sac = You know I have no more
money.
Tu sais que je n’ai plus le sac = You know I don't have any more money.
Un homme de sac et de corde = A regular ruffian.
Un homme de sac et de corde = A typical thug.
Prendre quelqu’un la main dans le sac = To catch any one in the
very act.
Prendre quelqu’un la main dans le sac = To catch someone in the act.
Il m’a laissé voir le fond du sac = I guessed his intentions in
spite of him.
Il m’a laissé voir le fond du sac = I figured out his intentions despite him.
Juger sur l’étiquette du sac = To judge by appearances.
Juger sur l’étiquette du sac = To judge by appearances.
*Dans les petits sacs sont les fines épices = Little fellows
are often great wits; Small parcels hold fine wares. (See Aune
and Onguent.)
*Dans les petits sacs sont les fines épices = Little guys are often really sharp; Small bags contain great stuff. (See Aune and Onguent.)
Tout le saint-frusquin (fam.) = The whole jolly lot (referring
to money or clothes).
Tout le saint-frusquin (slang) = The whole shebang (referring to money or clothes).
Toute la sainte journée = The whole blessed (or, livelong)
day.
Toute la sainte journée = The entire blessed (or, all day) day.
*À bon entendeur salut = A word to the wise is enough. Verb.
sap. (See Avis.)
*À bon entendeur salut = A word to the wise is sufficient. Verb. sap. (See Avis.)
Cela fait faire du mauvais sang = That causes one to worry.
Cela fait faire du mauvais sang = That makes one anxious.
Suer sang et eau (fam.) = To strain every nerve.
Suer sang et eau (fam.) = To give it your all.
*Bon sang ne peut mentir = Good breeding always shows itself;
Like father, like son.
*Bon sang ne peut mentir = Good lineage always reveals itself; Like father, like son.
Sa toux sent le sapin = He has a churchyard cough.
Sa toux sent le sapin = He has a churchyard cough.
[Sapin = deal, of which coffins are made.]
[Sapin = fir, the material used to make coffins.]
On ne sait à quelle sauce le mettre = There is no knowing what
to do with him.
On ne sait à quelle sauce le mettre = It's unclear how to deal with him.
*Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce = Too many cooks spoil the
broth.
*Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce = Too many cooks spoil the broth.
[Although this may be but a translation of the English proverb, it
is of constant use in France.]
[Although this may just be a translation of the English proverb, it is frequently used in France.]
Il fait tout par sauts et par bonds = He does everything by
fits and starts.
Il fait tout par sauts et par bonds = He does everything in a disorganized way.
Il s’est fait sauter la tête (or, la cervelle, more fam. le
caisson) = He blew his brains out.
Il s’est fait sauter la tête (or, la cervelle, more fam. le
caisson) = He shot himself in the head.
Faire sauter la banque = To break the bank (gambling).
Faire sauter la banque = To win a lot of money at gambling.
*Sauve qui peut = Every one for himself; Run for your lives.
*i lang="fr">Sauve qui peut = Every man for himself; Run for your lives.
Je me sauve = I must be off.
Je me sauve = I gotta go.
Je ne sais comment cela est arrivé = I am at a loss to explain
how it happened.
Je ne sais comment cela est arrivé = I have no idea how it happened.
Pas que je sache = Not to my knowledge.
Pas que je sache = Not that I know of.
Je suis tout je ne sais comment = I am out of sorts.
Je suis tout je ne sais comment = I'm feeling all mixed up.
C’est à savoir = That remains to be seen.
C’est à savoir = We'll see about that.
Il en sait plus d’une (fam.) = He knows more than one trick; He
knows a trick or two.
Il en sait plus d’une (fam.) = He knows a thing or two; He knows some tricks.
Il a beaucoup de savoir faire = He has his wits about him; He
knows how to manage people.
Il a beaucoup de savoir faire = He knows what he's doing; He knows how to handle people.
Il a du savoir vivre = He knows how to behave; He is well bred.
Il a du savoir vivre = He knows how to behave; He’s well-mannered.
Un je ne sais quoi = A “something” (I know not what).
Un je ne sais quoi = A “something” (I don't know what).
*De savoir vient avoir = Knowledge is power.
*De savoir vient avoir = Knowledge is power.
*Qui plus sait plus se tait = A still tongue shows a wise head.
*i lang="fr">Qui plus sait plus se tait = A quiet person is a wise one.
*Qui rien ne sait, de rien ne doute = Who knows nothing, doubts
nothing; Ignorance is bliss.
*Qui rien ne sait, de rien ne doute = Those who know nothing doubt nothing; ignorance is bliss.*
Je lui donnerai un savon (fam.) = I will blow him up.
Je lui donnerai un savon (fam.) = I will give him a piece of my mind.
[German: Ich werde ihm den Kopf waschen.]
I'm going to give him a piece of my mind.
Je lui ai fait une scène = 1. I had a row with him. 2. I
reproached (or, abused) him violently.
Je lui ai fait une scène = 1. I had an argument with him. 2. I yelled at him aggressively.
Quelle scie! (fam.) = What a bother!
Quelle scie! (fam.) = What a hassle!
Séance tenante = Forthwith; There and then.
C’est un grand sec = He is a tall, spare man.
C’est un grand sec = He is a tall, thin man.
Sec comme un pendu = As thin as a lath.
Sec comme un pendu = As thin as a stick.
Boire sec = To drink hard.
Boire sec = To drink straight.
Il est à sec (pop.) = He is hard up, broke, in low water.
Il est à sec (pop.) = He is broke, out of cash, in a tough financial situation.
Sécher sur pied = To pine away.
Sécher sur pied = To waste away.
Crier au secours = To cry for help.
Crier au secours = To shout for help.
*Secret de deux, secret de Dieu,
Secret de trois, secret de tous = No secret but between two.
Secret de deux, secret de Dieu,
Secret de trois, secret de tous = It's not a secret if more than two people know it.
*À tout seigneur tout honneur = Honour to whom honour is due.
*À tout seigneur tout honneur = Respect to those who deserve it.
Mettre du sel sous la queue d’un oiseau = To put salt on a
bird’s tail.
Mettre du sel sous la queue d’un oiseau = To put salt on a bird's tail.
Mettre sur la sellette = To cross-question; To haul over the
coals (fam.).
Mettre sur la sellette = To interrogate; To bring someone to task (informal).
[La sellette was the small wooden seat on which a culprit sat
during his trial.]
[La sellette was the small wooden seat where a defendant sat during their trial.]
Cet officier est de semaine = He is officer of the week.
Cet officier est de semaine = He is the officer of the week.
Il dépensa toute sa semaine = He spent all his week’s wages
(or, pocket-money).
Il dépensa toute sa semaine = He spent all his week's earnings
(or, allowance).
Je le ferai la semaine des trois (quatre) jeudis = I shall do
it in a week of Sundays (i.e. never).
Je le ferai la semaine des trois (quatre) jeudis = I’ll do it in a week of Sundays (i.e. never).
[Also: Je le ferai quand les poules auront des dents.]
[Also: I'll do it when pigs fly.]
Prêter à la petite semaine = To lend money at high interest for
a short time.
Prêter à la petite semaine = To lend money at high interest for a brief period.
A-t-on jamais vu rien de semblable? = Did you ever see such a
thing?
A-t-on jamais vu rien de semblable? = Have you ever seen anything like this?
Rien de semblable = Nothing of the sort.
Rien de semblable = Nothing like that.
Comme bon vous semble = Just as you please.
Comme bon vous semble = Exactly how you want it.
Si bon vous semble = If you think fit.
Si bon vous semble = If that seems good to you.
Lever la semelle devant quelqu’un = To show any one a clean
pair of heels.
Lever la semelle devant quelqu’un = To show someone a clean pair of heels.
Cela tombe sous le sens = That is self-evident, obvious.
Cela tombe sous le sens = That’s obvious, it goes without saying.
Sens dessus dessous = Upside down; Topsy-turvy.
Sens dessus dessous = Upside down; All mixed up.
Sens devant derrière = Wrong side first.
Sens devant derrière = Wrong side first.
À contresens = Contrary to the meaning; In the wrong way.
À contresens = Opposite to the meaning; In the wrong direction.
Cela ne sent pas bon = (fig.) I don’t like the look of that.
Cela ne sent pas bon = (fig.) I don’t trust that.
Je ne me sens pas de joie = I am beside myself with joy.
Je ne me sens pas de joie = I don't feel any joy.
Qu’y a-t-il pour votre service? = What can I do for you?
Qu’y a-t-il pour votre service? = What can I do for you?
Madame est servie = Dinner is served.
Madame est servie = Dinner is served.
*À quoi sert de vous mettre en colère? = What is the use of
getting angry?
*À quoi sert de vous mettre en colère? = What’s the point of getting angry?
Cela va tout seul = That is no trouble; That works of its own
accord.
Cela va tout seul = That’s easy; It works on its own.
Il n’y a pas de si qui fasse = There is no excuse for it.
Il n’y a pas de si qui fasse = There's no excuse for it.
Avec un si on mettrait Paris dans une bouteille = Such
suppositions are idle; If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Avec un si on mettrait Paris dans une bouteille = Such assumptions are pointless; If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Il n’est pas riche.—Oh! que si = He is not rich.—Isn’t he,
though!
Il n’est pas riche.—Oh! que si = He’s not rich.—Oh, yes he is!
*Chacun le sien n’est pas trop = Let each have his own, then
all is fair.
*Chacun le sien n’est pas trop = Let everyone have their own, and then everything is fair.
Il fait des siennes = He is up to his old tricks again.
Il fait des siennes = He's at it again.
Il en sera du sien = He will be a loser by it.
Il en sera du sien = He will end up losing because of it.
On n’est jamais trahi que par les siens = It is always one’s
friends (or, confederates) who betray one.
On n’est jamais trahi que par les siens = It’s always your friends (or, allies) who betray you.
Le singe est toujours singe, fût-il vêtu de pourpre =
An ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet,
Though they be clad in silk or scarlet.
Le singe est toujours singe, fût-il vêtu de pourpre =
An ape is still an ape, a fool is still a fool,
Even if they're dressed in silk or red.
Il l’a payé en monnaie de singe = He paid him with promises; He
jeered at him instead of paying him.
Il l’a payé en monnaie de singe = He paid him with empty promises; He mocked him instead of giving him any real payment.
[This expression originated in the ordinance of St. Louis
regulating the payment of the tolls at the gates of Paris. Showmen
were exempted from payment on causing their apes to skip and dance
in front of the toll-keeper. Comp. Estienne Boileau,
Establissements des métiers de Paris, Chapitre del péage de
Petit Pont:—[213]“Li singes au marchant doibt quatre deniers, se il
por vendre le porte: se li singes est a homme qui l’aist acheté
por son déduit, si est quites, et se li singes est au joueur,
jouer en doibt devant le péagier, et por son jeu doibt estre
quites de toute la chose qu’il achète à son usage et aussitôt le
jongleur sont quite por un ver de chanson.”]
[This expression comes from the law in St. Louis that governed the toll payments at the gates of Paris. Showmen were exempt from paying if they made their monkeys skip and dance in front of the toll collector. Comp. Estienne Boileau, Establissements des métiers de Paris, Chapter on the toll of Petit Pont:—[213]“The monkeys on the merchant's part must pay four deniers if they want to sell. If the monkeys belong to someone who bought them for their enjoyment, they are exempt. If the monkeys belong to the performer, they must perform in front of the toll collector, and for their performance, they shall be free from any charges related to what they buy for their use, and immediately the juggler is free for a verse of song.”]
*On ne saurait faire boire un âne s’il n’a soif = One man can
take a horse to the water, but twenty cannot make him drink.
On ne saurait faire boire un âne s’il n’a soif = You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
Il songe au solide = He has an eye to the main chance.
Il songe au solide = He’s focused on the big opportunity.
Montrer le soleil avec un flambeau = To hold a farthing
rushlight to the sun; To paint the lily.
Montrer le soleil avec un flambeau = To hold a small candle to the sun; To paint the lily.
Je n’ai fait qu’un somme = I never woke all night.
Je n’ai fait qu’un somme = I only dozed off.
Somme toute = After all; Taking everything into consideration;
To conclude.
Somme toute = After all; Taking everything into account; To sum up.
En somme = On the whole; In the main.
“Puisqu’en vous il est faux que songes sont mensonges” = Since
with you, it is untrue that dreams go by contraries.
“Puisqu’en vous il est faux que songes sont mensonges” = Since with you, it’s not true that dreams are lies.
[Molière, Étourdi, iv. 3.]
[Molière, Étourdi, iv. 3.]
*Mal d’autrui n’est que songe = Other people’s woes do not
affect us much.
*Mal d’autrui n’est que songe = Other people's troubles don't impact us much.
C’est un songe-creux = He is full of idle fancies (or, day
dreams); He is a wool-gatherer.
C’est un songe-creux = He is full of pointless daydreams; He is a daydreamer.
Elle a quarante ans bien sonnés = She is over forty.
Elle a quarante ans bien sonnés = She is over forty.
Il est trois heures sonnées = It has struck three.
Il est trois heures sonnées = It has just turned three o'clock.
Payer en bonnes espèces sonnantes (et trébuchantes) = To pay
in hard cash.
Payer en bonnes espèces sonnantes (et trébuchantes) = To pay in cash.
Il nous berce de sornettes = He puts us off with silly tales.
Il nous berce de sornettes = He distracts us with nonsense.
Le sort en est jeté = The die is cast; Alea jacta est.
Le sort en est jeté = The decision is final; Alea jacta est.
Elle lui a jeté un sort = She cast a spell over him; He is
infatuated with her.
Elle lui a jeté un sort = She put a spell on him; He is obsessed with her.
Tirer au sort = To draw lots (for the army, etc.).
Tirer au sort = To draw lots (for the military, etc.).
Je lui ai parlé de la bonne sorte = I gave it him soundly; I
gave him a piece of my mind.
Je lui ai parlé de la bonne sorte = I told him off; I gave him a piece of my mind.
Il a fait une sortie = He flew into a passion.
Il a fait une sortie = He got really upset.
C’est un sot en trois lettres = He is a thorough fool.
C’est un sot en trois lettres = He is a complete idiot.
Quelque sot le ferait = One would be a fool to do that.
Quelque sot le ferait = It would be foolish to do that.
*A sotte question point de réponse = Answer a fool according to
his folly; A silly question needs no answer.
A sotte question point de réponse = Answer a fool according to his folly; A silly question doesn't need an answer.
Un sot trouve toujours un plus sot qui l’admire = Even a fool
will always find admirers.
Un sot trouve toujours un plus sot qui l’admire = Even a fool will always find admirers.
[Boileau, Art Poétique, 1.]
[Boileau, Art Poétique, 1.]
Il n’y a pas de sots métiers, il n’y a que de sottes gens =
People may be petty, but work never is.
Il n’y a pas de sots métiers, il n’y a que de sottes gens =
There are no stupid jobs, only stupid people.
Il a fait de cent sous quatre livres, et de quatre livres rien
= He has brought his noble to ninepence, and his ninepence to
nothing.
Il a fait de cent sous quatre livres, et de quatre livres rien
= He has turned a hundred pence into four pounds, and from those four pounds into nothing.
[Livre here has nothing to do with our English pound sterling.
It is practically the equivalent of the modern franc. Hence the
proverb means: He reduced 100 sous to 80 sous.]
[Livre here has nothing to do with our English pound sterling. It is practically the equivalent of the modern franc. Hence the proverb means: He reduced 100 sous to 80 sous.]
Une affaire de deux sous = A twopenny-halfpenny affair.
Une affaire de deux sous = A cheap affair.
Cela vaut mille francs comme un sou = It is worth £40 if it is
worth a penny.
Cela vaut mille francs comme un sou = It’s worth a thousand francs, just like a penny.
C’est une vraie souche = He is a regular log.
C’est une vraie souche = He is a solid guy.
Faire souche = To found a family.
Faire souche = To start a family.
Donner un soufflet à Vaugelas = To murder the King’s English;
To offend Lindley Murray.
Donner un soufflet à Vaugelas = To mess up the King's English;
To insult Lindley Murray.
[Vaugelas (1585-1650) was a celebrated writer on French grammar,
one of the first members of the Académie Française, and one of
the chief contributors to its Dictionary. Comp. Molière,
Les Femmes Savantes, ii. 7: “Elle y met Vaugelas en pièces tous
les jours.” Donner un soufflet à Ronsard was also used, and, in
the Middle Ages, Casser la tête de Priscien, from the famous
grammarian of the fourth century.]
[Vaugelas (1585-1650) was a renowned writer on French grammar, one of the first members of the Académie Française, and a key contributor to its Dictionary. Comp. Molière, Les Femmes Savantes, ii. 7: “She criticizes Vaugelas every day.” To slap Ronsard was also used, and, in the Middle Ages, To break Priscien's head, referring to the famous grammarian of the fourth century.]
*Si souhaits fussent vrais,
Pastoureaux rois seraient. |
} = { |
If wishes were horses,
Beggars would ride.
|
Je t’en souhaite! (pop.) = I wish you may get it.
Je t’en souhaite! (pop.) = I hope you get it.
Souhaiter la bonne année à quelqu’un = To wish some one a happy
new year.
Souhaiter la bonne année à quelqu’un = To wish someone a happy new year.
*A merle soûl cerises sont amères = Plenty makes dainty.
*A merle soûl cerises sont amères = Too much of a good thing can be bad.
Parler tout son soûl (pop.) = To speak to one’s heart’s content.
Parler tout son soûl (pop.) = To talk as much as one wants.
Être dans ses petits souliers = To be uneasy in one’s mind; To
be on pins and needles.
Être dans ses petits souliers = To feel uneasy; To be on edge.
Il faut se soumettre ou se démettre = One must knuckle under or
clear out.
Il faut se soumettre ou se démettre = You have to submit or step down.
[Gambetta said this to Marshal MacMahon during the crisis of 16th
May 1875.]
[Gambetta said this to Marshal MacMahon during the crisis of May 16, 1875.]
S’emporter comme une soupe au lait = To fly into a passion
without warning; To be of a very hasty temper.
S’emporter comme une soupe au lait = To lose your temper suddenly; To have a very quick temper.
Trempé comme une soupe = Wet to the skin; Dripping wet.
Trempé comme une soupe = Soaked to the skin; Dripping wet.
C’est un marchand de soupe. (See Marchand.)
Sourd comme un pot = As deaf as a post.
Sourd comme un pot = As deaf as a doornail.
*Vous faites la sourde oreille = None so deaf as those who will
not hear.
*You are turning a blind eye = None so deaf as those who will not hear.
Frapper comme un sourd = To beat unmercifully.
Frapper comme un sourd = To hit relentlessly.
Il court un bruit sourd = A rumour is being whispered.
Il court un bruit sourd = A rumor is being whispered.
Ils ont recours à des menées sourdes = They have recourse to
underhand dealings.
Ils ont recours à des menées sourdes = They resort to underhanded tactics.
Il fait ses coups à la sourdine = He acts secretly, in an
underhand manner.
Il fait ses coups à la sourdine = He operates quietly, in a sneaky way.
Cela me sourit assez = I rather like this.
Cela me sourit assez = I actually like this quite a bit.
*Souris qui n’a qu’un trou est bientôt prise = It is good to
have more than one string to one’s bow.
*Souris qui n’a qu’un trou est bientôt prise = It's wise to have multiple options available.
*On entendrait trotter une souris (or, voler une mouche) =
One could hear a pin drop.
*On entendrait trotter une souris (or, voler une mouche) = One could hear a pin drop.
Elle est éveillée comme une petite souris (or, comme une potée
de souris) = She is as brisk as a bee.
Elle est éveillée comme une petite souris (or, comme une potée de souris) = She is as lively as a little mouse.
Autant que je puisse m’en souvenir = To the best of my
recollection.
Autant que je puisse m’en souvenir = As far as I can remember.
C’est du plus loin qu’il me souvienne = 1. I can barely
remember it. 2. It is as far back as I can recollect.
C’est du plus loin qu’il me souvienne = 1. I can hardly remember it. 2. It goes back as far as I can recall.
Plus souvent! (fam.) = Not if I know it! Twice!
Plus souvent! (fam.) = Not a chance! Twice!
Casser du sucre sur la tête de quelqu’un (pop.) = To speak ill
of any one in his absence.
Casser du sucre sur la tête de quelqu’un (pop.) = To talk badly about someone when they’re not around.
Cette maladie peut avoir des suites = That illness may have
serious consequences.
Cette maladie peut avoir des suites = That illness can have serious outcomes.
Il n’a pas d’esprit de suite = He is not consistent; He keeps
at nothing long.
Il n’a pas d’esprit de suite = He isn't consistent; He doesn't stick with anything for long.
Suite (of a serial story or article) = Continuation; Continued.
Suite (of a serial story or article) = Continuation; Continued.
[Also: Suite et fin = Conclusion.
À suivre = To be continued.
[Also: Suite et fin = Conclusion.
To be continued.
La suite au prochain numéro = To be continued in our next.]
La suite au prochain numéro = To be continued in our next issue.
Être sujet à l’heure = To be tied to time.
Être sujet à l’heure = To be bound by time.
Être sujet à caution = Not to be relied upon. (See Caution.)
Being questionable = Not to be trusted. (See Caution.)
C’est un mauvais sujet = He is a scamp, “a bad lot.”
C’est un mauvais sujet = He is a troublemaker, “a bad influence.”
[This is used in speaking of tiresome children, of flighty young
men, and of real rogues.]
[This is used when talking about annoying kids, impulsive young men, and genuine troublemakers.]
Petit mauvais sujet! = Little rascal! (to children).
Petit mauvais sujet! = Little troublemaker! (to kids).
Être au supplice = To be on thorns.
Être au supplice = To be in agony.
Pour sûr! (fam.) = I should think so, indeed!
For sure! (slang) = I would think so, for sure!
T.
Tenir table ouverte = To keep open house.
Tenir table ouverte = To keep an open house.
Faire table rase = To make a clean sweep and begin again; To
start everything afresh.
Faire table rase = To clear the deck and start over; To begin everything anew.
Jouer cartes sur table = To act frankly, above board.
Jouer cartes sur table = To be open and honest.
Prendre à tâche = To make it one’s business.
Prendre à tâche = To take it upon oneself.
Travailler à la tâche = To work by the piece.
Travailler à la tâche = To work on a per-piece basis.
Vilains taillables et corvéables à merci = Serfs taxable and
workable at their lord’s will and pleasure.
Vilains taillables et corvéables à merci = Serfs who can be taxed and forced to work at their lord’s discretion.
Il est de taille à se défendre = He is big enough to defend
himself.
Il est de taille à se défendre = He is big enough to defend himself.
“Ils nous ont fait une France à leur taille”
(Béranger) = They have brought France down to their
level.
“They made France fit their own size” (Béranger) = They have brought France down to their level.
Se tenant par la taille = With their arms round each other’s
waists.
Se tenant par la taille = With their arms around each other’s waists.
Frapper d’estoc et de taille = 1. To cut and thrust. 2. To hit
right and left; To lay about one.
Frapper d’estoc et de taille = 1. To cut and thrust. 2. To strike at both sides; to swing around.
Il a l’esprit aux talons = He shines at the wrong end; He is
not witty.
Il a l’esprit aux talons = He’s got his head in the wrong place; He isn’t clever.
La bande se dispersa, les talons aux épaules = The gang took to
their heels.
La bande se dispersa, les talons aux épaules = The gang ran off.
J’ai l’estomac dans les talons = I am very hungry.
J’ai l’estomac dans les talons = I'm starving.
On l’a mené tambour battant = They led him with a high hand;
They played the martinet with him.
On l’a mené tambour battant = They led him forcefully;
They were strict with him.
Il sortirent tambour battant, mèche allumée = They went out
with all the honours of war.
Il sortirent tambour battant, mèche allumée = They went out with all the honors of war.
Tous tant que nous sommes = Every one of us.
Tous tant que nous sommes = Every one of us.
Être tant à tant = To be even (in a game).
Être tant à tant = To be tied (in a game).
Si cela vous ennuie tant soit peu, ne le faites pas = If that
is the least trouble, do not do it.
Si cela vous ennuie tant soit peu, ne le faites pas = If that bothers you even a little, don't do it.
Elle n’est pas jolie, tant s’en faut = She is not pretty, far
from it; She is anything but good-looking.
Elle n’est pas jolie, tant s’en faut = She is not pretty, not even close; she is anything but attractive.
Vous m’en direz tant = That alters the case; Ah! now I
understand. (See Dire.)
Vous m’en direz tant = That changes things; Ah! now I get it. (See Dire.)
Est-ce qu’elle est belle?—Elle est comme il y en a tant = Is
she beautiful?—Nothing to stare at; Nothing out of the common.
Est-ce qu’elle est belle?—Elle est comme il y en a tant = Is she beautiful?—Nothing to look at; Nothing extraordinary.
Vous l’avez fait tant bien que mal = You did it in a casual
(off-hand) way.
Vous l’avez fait tant bien que mal = You did it in a laid-back way.
Je l’ai fait tant bien que mal = I did it as well as I could,
though I know it is not well done.
Je l’ai fait tant bien que mal = I did it the best I could, even though I know it's not done well.
Si tant est que .... = If it be true that....
Si tant est que .... = If it is true that....
Être sur le tapis = To be the subject of general conversation;
To be broached.
Être sur le tapis = To be the topic of general discussion;
To be brought up.
Amuser le tapis (or, la galerie) = To amuse people by talking
the time away.
Amuser le tapis (or, la galerie) = To entertain people by chatting and passing the time.
Faire tapisserie (fam.) = To be a wall-flower at a ball.
Faire tapisserie (slang) = To be a wallflower at a dance.
*Mieux vaut tard que jamais = Better late than never.
*Mieux vaut tard que jamais = Better late than never.
[This is first found in Dionysius of Halicarnassus (ix. 11): “It
is better beginning late doing our duties than never.”]
[This is first found in Dionysius of Halicarnassus (ix. 11): “It's better to start doing our duties late than to never start at all.”]
Il me tarde de parler = I am anxious to speak.
Il me tarde de parler = I can't wait to speak.
Il ne tardera pas à venir = It will not be long before he comes.
Il ne tardera pas à venir = He'll be here soon.
C’est sa tarte à la crème = It is his one constant objection.
C’est sa tarte à la crème = It's his go-to complaint.
[Molière, École des Femmes, i. 1.]
[Molière, School for Wives, i. 1.]
*Tel maître, tel valet = Like master, like man; Like well, like
bucket.
*Tel maître, tel valet = Like master, like servant; Like well, like bucket.
[“Selon le clerc est deu le maistre.”—Villon, Grand
Testament, 568.]
[“According to the clerk, it is owed to the master.”—Villon, Grand Testament, 568.]
*Telle vie, telle fin = Men die as they live.
*Telle vie, telle fin = People die as they live.*
Je vous le rends tel quel = I return it to you just as it was
lent to me.
Je vous le rends tel quel = I'm giving it back to you exactly how you lent it to me.
Je la prendrai telle quelle = I will take it just as it is.
Je la prendrai telle quelle = I'll take it just the way it is.
Ce sont des gens tels quels (fam.) = They are “no great
shakes,” just ordinary people, humdrum people.
Ce sont des gens tels quels (fam.) = They are "nothing special," just regular people, boring people.
Tel est pris qui croyait prendre = It is a case of the biter
bit.
Tel est pris qui croyait prendre = It's a situation where the one who thought they were in control ends up getting caught.
Monsieur un tel = Mr. So-and-so.
Il se donne du bon temps = He does not work too hard; He enjoys
himself; He has a good time of it.
Il se donne du bon temps = He doesn’t work too hard; He has fun; He enjoys himself.
Il prend le temps comme il vient = He takes things easily.
Il prend le temps comme il vient = He takes things as they come.
Cela a fait son temps = That has had its day.
Cela a fait son temps = That has had its moment.
*Du temps que Berthe filait = When the world was young; When
Adam delved and Eve span.
*Du temps que Berthe filait = Back when the world was new; When Adam worked the soil and Eve spun the thread.
Si le temps le permet = Wind and weather permitting.
If the weather allows = Wind and weather permitting.
Le temps est à la pluie = It looks like rain.
Le temps est à la pluie = It looks like rain.
Le temps perdu ne se répare (or, rattrape) pas = Time
wasted is gone indeed.
Le temps perdu ne se répare (or, rattrape) pas = Time wasted can't be regained.
*Qui a temps a vie = While there is life, there is hope; Dum
spiro spero.
*Qui a temps a vie = As long as there's life, there's hope; Dum
spiro spero.
Par le temps qui court = Nowadays; As times go.
Par le temps qui court = These days; As times go.
*Autres temps, autres mœurs = Manners change with the times.
*Autres temps, autres mœurs = Times change, and so do manners.*
Au temps! = As you were! (military command).
Au temps! = As you were! (military command).
[This is sometimes incorrectly written “Autant,” but military
movements were formerly divided into temps. When the
drill-sergeant makes a mistake in giving the word of command, he
says, “Au temps pour moi” = “My mistake, as you were!”]
[This is sometimes incorrectly written “Autant,” but military movements were previously divided into temps. When the drill sergeant makes a mistake in giving the command, he says, “Au temps pour moi” = “My mistake, carry on!”]
Il vaut mieux tendre la main que le cou = It is better to beg
than to steal.
Il vaut mieux tendre la main que le cou = It's better to ask for help than to do something wrong.
L’arc toujours tendu se gâte = All work and no play makes Jack
a dull boy.
L’arc toujours tendu se gâte = All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
[“Neque semper arcum tendit Apollo.”—Horace, Carm, II.
x. 20.]
[“Apollo doesn't always have his bow drawn.”—Horace, Carm, II. x. 20.]
Tendresse maternelle
Toujours se renouvelle. |
} = { |
A mother’s truth
Keeps constant youth. |
[Archbishop Trench quotes the French and German forms as rhyming
equally well in both languages; the English, he confesses, is not
such a good translation. The German is:
Mutter treu’
Wird täglich neu.]
[Archbishop Trench quotes the French and German forms as rhyming equally well in both languages; he admits that the English version isn't as strong. The German is:
Mom's loyalty
Is renewed daily.]
]
Il ne tint à rien qu’ils ne se battissent = They were within an
ace of fighting.
Il ne tint à rien qu’ils ne se battissent = They were just about to fight.
Quand on est bien, on ne s’y peut tenir = The love of change
makes us give up even a comfortable position.
Quand on est bien, on ne s’y peut tenir = The desire for change makes us give up even a comfortable situation.
Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l’auras = A bird in the hand is
worth two in the bush.
Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l’auras = A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
[Also: Un bon aujourd’hui vaut mieux que deux demain.]
[Also: A good today is better than two tomorrows.]
Il tient de son père = He takes after his father.
Il tient de son père = He resembles his father.
Il tient à ce livre = He treasures that book.
Il tient à ce livre = He cares a lot about that book.
Je ne tiens plus à rien = I no longer care for anything.
Je ne tiens plus à rien = I don't care about anything anymore.
Il ne tiendra pas à moi qu’il ne réussisse = It will not be my
fault if he does not succeed.
Il ne tiendra pas à moi qu’il ne réussisse = It won't be my fault if he doesn't succeed.
Je le tiens de bonne source = I have it on good authority.
Je le tiens de bonne source = I have it from a reliable source.
Tenir le loup par les oreilles = To be in a critical situation,
dilemma.
Tenir le loup par les oreilles = To be in a tough spot, a dilemma.
On le tient à quatre = It needs four men to hold him down.
On le tient à quatre = It takes four guys to hold him down.
Je me suis tenu à quatre pour ne pas lui dire ses vérités = It
was almost more than I could do not to tell him what I thought of
him.
Je me suis tenu à quatre pour ne pas lui dire ses vérités = It was almost more than I could handle not to tell him what I really thought of him.
Il n’y a pas d’amitié qui tienne = Friendship has nothing to do
with the question; It must be done in spite of friendship.
Il n’y a pas d’amitié qui tienne = Friendship doesn’t matter here; it has to happen regardless of friendship.
Qu’à cela ne tienne = Do not let that be any objection; Never
mind that.
Qu’à cela ne tienne = Don't let that be a problem; Just ignore that.
Je n’y tiens pas = I am not particular about it; I am not keen
on it.
Je n’y tiens pas = I'm not really into it; I don't care much for it.
Je n’y tiens plus = I cannot stand it any longer.
Je n’y tiens plus = I can't take it anymore.
Je n’y ai pas tenu = I could not contain myself.
Je n’y ai pas tenu = I couldn't hold back.
Je ne sais à quoi m’en tenir = I do not know what to believe.
Je ne sais à quoi m’en tenir = I don't know what to think.
Tenir comme teigne (pop.) = To stick like wax.
Tenir comme teigne (pop.) = To stick like glue.
À quoi cela tient-il? = What is that owing to?
À quoi cela tient-il? = What is that due to?
Il ne tient qu’à lui de commencer = It rests entirely with him
to begin; He can begin when he likes.
Il ne tient qu’à lui de commencer = It’s completely up to him to start; He can start whenever he wants.
Cela lui tient au cœur = He is anxious about it.
Cela lui tient au cœur = It matters to him.
Il n’a pas cédé, il a tenu bon = He did not give away, he stuck
to it.
Il n’a pas cédé, il a tenu bon = He didn't back down, he held his ground.
Tenez-vous-le pour dit = Take it for granted; Bear that in mind.
Tenez-vous-le pour dit = Consider this as fact; Keep that in mind.
Il en tient = 1. He is smitten. 2. He is caught.
Il en tient = 1. He's infatuated. 2. He’s trapped.
Tenez-vous-en là = Stop there, go no further in the matter; Be
satisfied with what you have already obtained.
Tenez-vous-en là = Stop there, don't go any further; Be satisfied with what you've already got.
Tiens! c’est vous? = Hullo! is that you?
Tiens! c’est vous? = Hey! Is that you?
Tiens, tiens! = Indeed, you don’t say so!
*Il y a terme à tout = There is an end to everything.
*Il y a terme à tout = Everything comes to an end.*
[A German proverb says: “Everything has an end—a sausage two.”]
[A German proverb says: “Everything has an end—a sausage too.”]
*Qui a terme ne doit rien = No one is obliged to pay before a
debt is due.
*Qui a terme ne doit rien = No one has to pay before a debt is due.
Le terme vaut l’argent = Time is money.
Le terme vaut l’argent = Time is money.
Ménagez un peu vos termes = Moderate your expressions a little;
Be a little careful in what you say.
Ménagez un peu vos termes = Tone down your words a bit;
Be a little careful in what you say.
En mathématiques il est sur son terrain = He is quite in his
element at mathematics.
En mathématiques il est sur son terrain = He is really in his element with math.
Tâter le terrain = To feel one’s way (fig.).
Tâter le terrain = To test the waters (fig.).
Il sent le terroir = He is racy of the soil; He savours of his
country.
Il sent le terroir = He is down-to-earth; He has a taste of his homeland.
Il a la tête près du bonnet = He is hasty, hot-headed.
Il a la tête près du bonnet = He is impulsive, quick-tempered.
*Ce sont deux têtes dans un bonnet = They are hand and glove
together.
*Ce sont deux têtes dans un bonnet = They are a perfect match together.
Cet homme y va tête baissée = That man rushes blindly into it;
That man sets to work energetically.
Cet homme y va tête baissée = That man rushes in without thought;
That man dives into work with a lot of energy.
C’est un homme de tête = He has a head on his shoulders; He is
a man of resource.
C’est un homme de tête = He’s practical; He’s resourceful.
Il s’est monté la tête = He got excited over fancied or
exaggerated wrongs.
Il s’est monté la tête = He got worked up over imagined or exaggerated grievances.
C’est une tête carrée = He is an obstinate fellow.
C’est une tête carrée = He’s a stubborn guy.
J’en ai par-dessus la tête = 1. I am sick and tired of it. 2. I
am head over ears in it.
J’en ai par-dessus la tête = 1. I’m fed up with it. 2. I’m deeply involved in it.
Je lui laverai la tête (pop.) = I will give it to him; I will
give him a sound drubbing.
Je lui laverai la tête (pop.) = I will give it to him; I will give him a good beating.
Il ne sait où donner de la tête = He does not know which way to
turn.
Il ne sait où donner de la tête = He doesn't know which way to turn.
[Donner here has the meaning of heurter, frapper de la tête.]
[Donner here means to hit, to strike with the head.]
Donner de la tête contre le mur = To hit one’s head against a
stone wall.
Donner de la tête contre le mur = To bang your head against a brick wall.
La tête me tourne = I feel giddy; my head swims.
La tête me tourne = I feel dizzy; my head is spinning.
Il a mauvaise tête = He is a wrong-headed fellow.
Il a mauvaise tête = He is a stubborn person.
Il fait à sa tête = He will have his own way.
Il fait à sa tête = He does what he wants.
Cet homme a mauvaise tête et bon cœur = That man is
quick-tempered, but kind-hearted.
Cet homme a mauvaise tête et bon cœur = That man is impulsive, but kind-hearted.
Vous lui avez tenu tête = You did not give in to him.
Vous lui avez tenu tête = You stood up to him.
Cet homme a de la tête = That man has his head screwed on the
right way.
Cet homme a de la tête = That man is pretty level-headed.
Il ne faut pas dire vos affaires au tiers et au quart = You
must not tell your business to all the world, to everybody.
Il ne faut pas dire vos affaires au tiers et au quart = You shouldn't share your personal matters with everyone.
Le tiers et le quart = Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Le tiers et le quart = Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Il a le timbre fêlé (fam.) = He is cracked; He has a screw
loose.
Il a le timbre fêlé (fam.) = He's a bit off; he has a loose screw.
Il se fera tirer l’oreille = He will require pressing.
Il se fera tirer l’oreille = He will need some encouragement.
Il tire le diable par la queue = He leads a struggling
existence.
Il tire le diable par la queue = He’s just getting by.
Vous ne me tirerez pas les vers du nez = You will not pump me
(i.e. make me tell secrets).
Vous ne me tirerez pas les vers du nez = You won't get me to spill secrets
(i.e. make me tell secrets).
Cet homme se tirerait d’un puits = That man would get out of
any difficulty, is full of resource.
Cet homme se tirerait d’un puits = That man can handle any situation, he’s really resourceful.
Je me ferais tirer à quatre avant de parler = Wild horses would
not make me speak.
Je me ferais tirer à quatre avant de parler = Nothing could make me speak.
Il tire (touche) à sa fin = He is on his last legs.
Il tire (touche) à sa fin = He is on his last legs.
Je saurai en tirer parti = I shall be able to turn it to
account.
Je saurai en tirer parti = I will be able to take advantage of it.
*Tirez le rideau, la farce est jouée = Ring down the curtain,
the play is over.
*Tirez le rideau, la farce est jouée = Pull down the curtain, the show is over.*
[Words reported to have been said by Rabelais just before his
death.]
[Words reported to have been said by Rabelais just before his death.]
On m’a donné cela à titre gratuit (or, gracieux) = They gave
me that for nothing.
On m’a donné cela à titre gratuit (or, gracieux) = They gave me that for free.
Cet or n’est pas au titre légal = This gold is not up to the
standard.
Cet or n’est pas au titre légal = This gold doesn't meet the legal standard.
À ce titre (compte) j’y perds = At that rate I am a loser.
À ce titre (compte) j’y perds = At that rate, I’m losing out.
Crier par-dessus les toits = To proclaim from the housetops.
Crier par-dessus les toits = To shout from the rooftops.
Je tombe d’accord avec vous sur ce point = I am at one with you
on that head.
Je tombe d’accord avec vous sur ce point = I agree with you on that.
Je tombe des nues = I am astounded.
Je tombe des nues = I'm shocked.
Cet homme-là est bien tombé = That man has fallen on his feet;
That man has applied to the right person (or, ironic), to the
wrong person.
Cet homme-là est bien tombé = That man has landed on his feet;
That man has approached the right person (or, ironically), the wrong person.
L’enfant tombe par terre, mais le fruit tombe à terre = A child
falls on the ground, while fruit falls to the earth.
L’enfant tombe par terre, mais le fruit tombe à terre = A child falls to the ground, while fruit falls to the ground.
[Par terre = from one’s own height; à terre = from any height.]
[Par terre = from your own height; à terre = from any height.]
Je me tordais de rire (fam.) = I was splitting my sides (or,
convulsed) with laughter.
Je me tordais de rire (fam.) = I was cracking up (or, laughing uncontrollably) with laughter.
Vous vous êtes mis dans votre tort = You put yourself in the
wrong.
Vous vous êtes mis dans votre tort = You got yourself in trouble.
À tort ou à raison = Rightly or wrongly.
À tort ou à raison = Right or wrong.
À tort et à travers = At random, thoughtlessly.
À tort et à travers = Randomly, without thinking.
*Le plus tôt sera le mieux = The sooner, the better.
Le plus tôt sera le mieux = The sooner, the better.
Elle a l’air de ne pas y toucher = She looks as if butter would
not melt in her mouth; She is very sarcastic without appearing to
mean anything. (Comp. Nitouche.)
Elle a l’air de ne pas y toucher = She seems like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth; She is very sarcastic without coming across as harsh. (Comp. Nitouche.)
C’est un touche-à-tout = He is a Jack of all trades; He meddles
with everything.
C’est un touche-à-tout = He’s a jack of all trades; he gets involved in everything.
Cela touche à la folie = That is but one remove from madness;
That borders on lunacy.
Cela touche à la folie = That's just one step away from crazy;
That's on the edge of insanity.
Touchez-là = Here’s my hand on it.
Touchez-là = Here’s my hand on it.
Faire ses quinze (or, trente-six) tours = To do a hundred
useless things.
Faire ses quinze (or, trente-six) tours = To do a hundred pointless things.
*À chacun son tour = Every dog has his day; Now it is my turn.
*À chacun son tour = Every dog has its day; Now it's my turn.
Elle est faite au tour (or, moule) = She has a splendid
figure.
Elle est faite au tour (or, moule) = She has a fantastic figure.
Il fit cela en un tour de main = He did that in a moment.
Il fit cela en un tour de main = He did that in no time.
Un tour de faveur = Permission to go (or, do anything) before
one’s turn.
Un tour de faveur = Getting to go (or, do anything) before it's your turn.
Avoir le trac (fam.) = To be funky.
Avoir le trac (fam.) = To be nervous.
Mettre une affaire en train = To put a thing in hand.
Mettre une affaire en train = To get a thing going.
Pas dans le train = Not up-to-date; Of an older school.
Pas dans le train = Not current; From an earlier time.
Il le mène bon train dans cette affaire = He drives him hard in
that matter.
Il le mène bon train dans cette affaire = He pushes him hard in that matter.
Il nous a menés bon train = He brought us along at a great rate.
Il nous a menés bon train = He took us along quickly.
Allez toujours votre train = Go on as usual.
Allez toujours votre train = Keep doing your thing.
Il est en train d’écrire = He is in the act of writing; He is
just writing.
Il est en train d’écrire = He is currently writing; He is just writing.
Je ne suis pas en train ce matin = I do not feel myself this
morning.
Je ne suis pas en train ce matin = I'm not feeling myself this morning.
Il est en train (pop.) = He is slightly intoxicated.
Il est en train (pop.) = He is a little drunk.
Faire du train (pop.) = To kick up a dust.
Faire du train (slang) = To stir up dust.
Il mène grand train = He lives like a lord.
Il mène grand train = He lives lavishly.
À fond de train = At full speed.
À fond de train = At full speed.
Ce que vous dites n’a pas trait à la question = What you say
has nothing to do with the question.
Ce que vous dites n’a pas trait à la question = What you’re saying doesn’t relate to the question.
Ce sont là de vos traits = That is just like you.
Ce sont là de vos traits = That's totally you.
Avaler d’un trait = To drink off at one gulp, at a draught.
Avaler d’un trait = To chug down in one go, in one sip.
Tout d’une traite = At a stretch, without stopping.
Tout d’une traite = All in one go, without stopping.
Il m’a traité de fat = He called me a fop.
Il m’a traité de fat = He called me a pretentious jerk.
Il m’a traité en roi = He treated me like a lord.
Il m’a traité en roi = He treated me like royalty.
Il n’a pas dit un traître mot = He never spoke a single word.
Il n’a pas dit un traître mot = He didn’t say a single word.
Perdre la tramontane = Not to know which way to turn; To lose
one’s head.
Perdre la tramontane = Not knowing which way to go; Losing one's mind.
[Literally, to lose one’s bearings. Tramontane is derived from the
Italian tramontana, and originally meant the pole-star, which
was the star seen from the Mediterranean across the mountains (the
Alps). Compare s’orienter. See Boule.]
[Literally, to lose one’s bearings. Tramontane comes from the Italian tramontana, and originally referred to the pole star, which was the star visible from the Mediterranean over the mountains (the Alps). Compare s’orienter. See Boule.]
Cet homme n’est pas très honnête, tranchons le mot, c’est un
coquin = That man is not very honourable, in plain English, he
is a rascal. (See Mot.)
Cet homme n’est pas très honnête, tranchons le mot, c’est un coquin = That man is not very honest, to be clear, he is a rogue. (See Mot.)
Trancher la question, la difficulté = To cut the Gordian knot;
To solve the difficulty.
Trancher la question, la difficulté = To cut the Gordian knot;
To solve the issue.
Trancher du grand seigneur = To try and play the lord.
Trancher du grand seigneur = To act like a big shot.
Trancher dans le vif = (lit.) To cut to the quick; (fig.) To
set to work in earnest.
Trancher dans le vif = (lit.) To cut to the quick; (fig.) To get started seriously.
Il a l’esprit de travers = He has an awkward temper; He does
not see things as they are; He is cross-grained.
Il a l’esprit de travers = He has a strange attitude; He doesn't see things clearly; He is grumpy.
Il me regarda de travers = He looked black (askance) at me.
Il me regarda de travers = He shot me a sideways glance.
Il prend tout de travers = He takes everything amiss.
Il prend tout de travers = He takes everything the wrong way.
J’en sais le fonds et le tréfonds = I know the ins and outs of
it, the long and the short of it.
J’en sais le fonds et le tréfonds = I know the ins and outs of it, the basics and the details.
[Also: Je connais les tenants et aboutissants de l’affaire.]
[Also: I know the ins and outs of the case.]
Nous fûmes trempés jusqu’aux os = We were wet to the skin.
Nous fûmes trempés jusqu’aux os = We were soaked to the skin.
Être sur son trente-et-un (fam.) = To be dressed up to the
nines.
Être sur son trente-et-un (fam.) = To be dressed to impress.
*Tricherie revient à son maître = Curses, like chickens, come
home to roost.
Tricherie revient à son maître = Bad deeds, like chickens, come home to roost.
Les soldats de la Garde étaient tous triés sur le volet = The
soldiers of the Guard were all picked men.
Les soldats de la Garde étaient tous triés sur le volet = The soldiers of the Guard were all selected individuals.
[Volet is a gardener’s board on which he sorts seeds.]
[Volet is a gardener’s board where they organize seeds.]
C’est un triste sire = He is a despicable, dishonourable fellow.
C’est un triste sire = He is a pathetic, dishonorable guy.
Il n’y a pas à s’y tromper = There is no mistake about it.
Il n’y a pas à s’y tromper = There's no doubt about it.
Je ne sais trop = I don’t exactly know.
Je ne sais trop = I don't really know.
*Qui dit trop ne dit rien = He who wants to prove too much
proves nothing.
*Qui dit trop ne dit rien = Someone who tries to prove too much ends up proving nothing.*
Faire un trou à la lune (fam.) = To shoot the moon; To fly from
one’s creditors.
Faire un trou à la lune (slang) = To shoot the moon; To escape from one's creditors.
C’est un trouble-fête = He is a mar-joy, a wet blanket.
C’est un trouble-fête = He is a buzzkill, a wet blanket.
Le voleur fuyait, mais nous étions à ses trousses = The thief
made off, but we were at his heels.
Le voleur fuyait, mais nous étions à ses trousses = The thief ran away, but we were right behind him.
Cela se trouve bien = That is lucky.
Cela se trouve bien = That's lucky.
Être à tu et à toi = To be on very familiar terms with.
Être à tu et à toi = To be on very friendly terms with.
Crier à tue-tête = To shout at the top of one’s voice.
Crier à tue-tête = To yell at the top of your lungs.
U.
Ne faire ni une ni deux = To make no bones about it; To make up
one’s mind quickly.
Ne faire ni une ni deux = To not hesitate; To decide quickly.
C’est tout un = It is all the same.
C’est tout un = It’s all the same.
L’union fait la force = United we stand, divided we fall.
L’union fait la force = Together we are strong, apart we are weak.
Ce ne sont que des usines à bachot (pop.) = They are mere
cramming shops.
Ce ne sont que des usines à bachot (pop.) = They are just cramming factories.
[Bachot = baccalauréat = matriculation. The French equivalent
for our B.A. is rather licencié-ès-lettres, although the
examinations in the two countries are so different that any
comparison is very difficult.]
[Bachot = baccalauréat = matriculation. The French equivalent for our B.A. is actually licencié-ès-lettres, although the exams in the two countries are so different that making any comparison is quite challenging.]
V.
Parler français comme une vache espagnole = To talk horribly
bad French. (See Français.)
Parler français comme une vache espagnole = To speak terrible French. (See Français.)
“Un homme qui n’a jamais mangé de la vache enragée n’est jamais
qu’une poule mouillée” (Mme. de Girardin) = A man who
has never roughed it is always a milksop.
“Un homme qui n’a jamais mangé de la vache enragée n’est jamais qu’une poule mouillée” (Mme. de Girardin) = A man who has never faced tough times is always a softie.
C’est le grand chemin des vaches = That is the beaten track.
C’est le grand chemin des vaches = That's the well-trodden path.
Le plancher des vaches (fam.) = Terra firma.
Le plancher des vaches (fam.) = Solid ground.
*“À vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire” = Where there
is no danger, there is no glory.
*“À vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire” = Winning without risk means winning without honor.*
[Corneille, Cid, ii. 2. Compare: “Scit eum sine
gloria vinci qui sine periculo vincitur.”—Seneca, De
Providentia, iii.]
[Corneille, Cid, ii. 2. Compare: “He knows he can be defeated without glory who is conquered without danger.”—Seneca, De Providentia, iii.]
Il n’y a pas de grand homme pour son valet de chambre = No man
is a hero to his valet.
Il n’y a pas de grand homme pour son valet de chambre = No man is a hero to his servant.
On ne prend pas de valet pour se servir soi-même = What! keep a
dog and bark thyself!
On ne prend pas de valet pour se servir soi-même = What! Keep a servant and do the work yourself!
“Aux âmes bien nées
La valeur n’attend pas le nombre des années.”
Corneille, Cid, ii. 2.
“To noble souls”
"Worth doesn't depend on how many years have passed."
Corneille, Cid, act ii, scene 2.
= Really brave men show their valour when quite young.
= Really brave people show their courage when they're still young.
Cela vaut fait = That is as good as done.
Cela vaut fait = That’s basically a done deal.
Vaut bien que mal = Vaille que vaille = At all events; For
better, for worse.
Vaut bien que mal = Vaille que vaille = No matter what; For better or worse.
Il se fait trop valoir = He brags too much.
Il se fait trop valoir = He boasts too much.
Je suis en veine de le faire = I am just in the humour to do it.
Je suis en veine de le faire = I'm just in the mood to do it.
J’ai de la veine (pop.) = I am in luck.
J’ai de la veine (pop.) = I'm lucky.
Faire patte de velours = To speak smoothly; To draw in one’s
claws.
Faire patte de velours = To speak gently; To pull in one's claws.
*Habit de velours, ventre de son = Silks and satins put out the
kitchen fire.
*i lang="fr">Habit de velours, ventre de son = Silks and satins extinguish the kitchen fire.
[Compare:
“Dress drains our cellar dry,
And keeps our larder lean.”
Cowper, Task, ii. 614.
An old French dicton says:
“Ne sois paon en ton parer,
Ny perroquet en ton parler,
Ny cicogne en ton manger,
Ny oye aussi en ton marcher.”]
[Compare:
“Fashion consumes our resources,
And leaves us with empty shelves.”
Cowper, Task, ii. 614.
There’s an old French saying:
“Don’t be a peacock in your clothes,
Nor a parrot in your speech,
Nor a stork in your eating,
Nor an owl in your walking.”]
*Chose qui plaît est à moitié vendue = Good wares make quick
market; Please the eye and fill the purse.
*Chose qui plaît est à moitié vendue = Good products sell quickly; Catch the eye and fill the wallet.
[“Chose qui plaist est à demy vendue.”—Charles
D’Orléans, Rondeau 194.]
[“What pleases is half sold.”—Charles of Orléans, Rondeau 194.]
*Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre = Everything comes to
the man who waits.
Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre = Good things come to those who wait.
[The older form of the proverb omitted à; for qui = si on.]
[The older version of the proverb left out à; because qui = si on.]
C’est un beau venir y voir = A pretty sight indeed!
C’est un beau venir y voir = It's quite a sight to see!
Où voulez-vous en venir? = What are you driving at? What is
your drift?
Où voulez-vous en venir? = What are you trying to say? What’s your point?
Il se vante d’en venir à bout = He says he is sure to succeed.
Il se vante d’en venir à bout = He boasts that he'll get it done.
Il fait un vent à décorner (or, écorner) un bœuf = There
is a wind enough to blow one’s head off.
Il fait un vent à décorner (or, écorner) un bœuf = There's a wind strong enough to blow your head off.
Autant en emporte le vent = That is but so much breath spent in
vain; It is not of the slightest consequence.
Autant en emporte le vent = That's just a waste of breath; it doesn't matter at all.
*Vent au visage rend un homme sage = Adversity makes a man
wise, not rich.
*Vent au visage rend un homme sage = Hard times make a man wise, not wealthy.
Celui qui sème le vent récolte la tempête = He who sows the
wind reaps the whirlwind; Those who live in glass houses should
not throw stones.
Celui qui sème le vent récolte la tempête = Whoever sows the wind will reap the whirlwind; Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
*Ventre affamé prend tout en gré =
“They that have no other meat,
Bread and butter are glad to eat.”
*Ventre affamé prend tout en gré =
“Those with no other food,
Are happy to eat bread and butter.”
*Ventre affamé n’a point d’oreilles = A hungry man will not
listen to reason; A hungry man is an angry man.
*Ventre affamé n’a point d’oreilles = A hungry man won’t listen to reason; A hungry man is an angry man.
Cela lui remet du cœur au ventre (fam.) = That gives him
courage again.
Cela lui remet du cœur au ventre (fam.) = That gives him courage again.
Savoir ce que quelqu’un a dans le ventre (fam.) = To know what
a person is worth, what he thinks; To know the stuff a man is
made of.
Savoir ce que quelqu’un a dans le ventre (fam.) = To know what a person is worth, what they think; To know the kind of person someone is.
Il n’a pas trois mois dans le ventre (fam.) = He cannot live
three months.
Il n’a pas trois mois dans le ventre (fam.) = He can't last three months.
Le cheval courait ventre à terre = The horse was running as
hard as he could tear.
Le cheval courait ventre à terre = The horse was running as fast as it could.
Il était à plat ventre = He was flat on his face.
Il était à plat ventre = He was lying face down.
Nu comme un ver = Stark naked; As naked as when one was born.
Nu comme un ver = Completely naked; As naked as when one was born.
*On dit souvent la vérité en riant = There is many a true word
spoken in jest.
*On dit souvent la vérité en riant = Many true things are said in humor.
Toute vérité n’est pas bonne à dire = All truths are not to be
spoken at all times.
Toute vérité n’est pas bonne à dire = Not every truth should be said all the time.
La vérité comme l’huile vient au-dessus = Truth will out; It
takes a good many shovelfuls of earth to bury the Truth.
La vérité comme l’huile vient au-dessus = The truth will come out; It takes a lot of effort to bury the truth.
[The Spaniards say: La verdad es hija de Dios = Truth is the
daughter of God.]
[The Spaniards say: La verdad es hija de Dios = Truth is the daughter of God.]
C’est une vérité de Monsieur de la Palisse = It is an evident
truth.
C’est une vérité de Monsieur de la Palisse = It's an obvious truth.
[M. de la Palisse is the hero of a lengthy poem, one of the verses
of which runs as follows:
“M. de la Palisse est mort
Mort de maladie
Un quart d’heure avant sa mort
Il était encore en vie.”]
[M. de la Palisse is the hero of a lengthy poem, one of the verses of which runs as follows:
“M. de la Palisse has died
Passed away from illness
Fifteen minutes before he died
He was still alive.”]
Il court comme un verrier déchargé = He runs like a
lamplighter. (See Chat.)
Il court comme un verrier déchargé = He runs like a lamplighter. (See Chat.)
[Glaziers, when carrying glass, have to walk carefully and slowly.
When they have got rid of their load they make up for lost time.]
[Glaziers, when carrying glass, have to walk carefully and slowly. When they’re done with their load, they make up for lost time.]
“Les plus beaux vers sont ceux qu’on ne peut pas
écrire.”—(Lamartine, Voyage en Orient) =
“Ah! the best prayers that faith may ever think
Are untranslatable by pen and ink.”
Bishop Alexander.
“The most beautiful verses are those that cannot be written.”—(Lamartine, Journey to the East) =
“Ah! the best prayers that faith can ever conceive
Are untranslatable by pen and ink.”
Bishop Alexander.
Vous ne le prendrez pas sans vert = You will not catch him
napping.
Vous ne le prendrez pas sans vert = You will not catch him off guard.
[An old game that used to be played in May was for two people to
undertake to be able always to show a green twig: failure to do so
lost the game.]
[An old game that used to be played in May was for two people to always display a green twig: failing to do so meant losing the game.]
Une verte vieillesse = A hale old age.
Une verte vieillesse = A healthy old age.
Ils sont trop verts = The grapes are sour.
Ils sont trop verts = The grapes are sour.
[La Fontaine, Le Renard et les Raisins, iii. 11.]
[La Fontaine, The Fox and the Grapes, iii. 11.]
Mettre un cheval au vert = To send a horse to grass.
Mettre un cheval au vert = To put a horse out to pasture.
Il veut nous faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes = He
wishes us to believe the moon is made of green cheese.
Il veut nous faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes = He wants us to believe something that isn’t true.
[“Me voulez vous faire entendant
De vecies que ce sont lanternes?”
Maistre Pierre Pathelin, 800.]
["Do you want me to get
what these lanterns are?”
Maistre Pierre Pathelin, 800.]
Faire vie qui dure = To live temperately; To husband one’s
resources.
Faire vie qui dure = To live moderately; To manage one’s resources wisely.
Avoir la vie dure = 1. To have a hard time. 2. To have nine
lives.
Avoir la vie dure = 1. To have a tough life. 2. To have multiple chances.
Vieux comme les rues, comme le monde = As old as the hills.
Vieux comme les rues, comme le monde = As old as time.
C’est un homme de la vieille roche = He is a man of the old
school; he belongs to the good old stock.
C’est un homme de la vieille roche = He is an old-school guy; he comes from the good old stock.
Un vieux de la vieille = A veteran of the old Imperial Guard;
One of the old brigade.
Un vieux de la vieille = A veteran of the old Imperial Guard;
One of the old crew.
Vieil ami et vieux vin sont vraiment deux bons vieux, mais vieux
écus sont encore mieux = Old friends and old wine are good, but
old gold is better than both.
Vieil ami et vieux vin sont vraiment deux bons vieux, mais vieux écus sont encore mieux = Old friends and old wine are good, but old gold is better than both.
[“Alonzo of Arragon was wont to say in commendation of Age, that
Age appeared to be best in four things: Old wood best to burn,
old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to
read.”—Bacon, Apophthegms, 101.]
[“Alonzo of Arragon used to say in praise of Age that Age seemed to excel in four areas: old wood is best for burning, old wine is best for drinking, old friends are best for trusting, and old authors are best for reading.”—Bacon strips, Apophthegms, 101.]
Trancher (or, couper) dans le vif = (lit.) To cut to the
quick; (fig.) To set to work in earnest.
Trancher (or, couper) dans le vif = (lit.) To cut to the core; (fig.) To get started seriously.
Ce reproche l’a piqué au vif = That reproach stung him to the
quick.
Ce reproche l’a piqué au vif = That criticism hit him hard.
Il est vif comme la poudre = 1. He is quick-tempered. 2. He is
bustling, quick at work.
Il est vif comme la poudre = 1. He has a quick temper. 2. He is energetic and fast at getting things done.
De vive voix = By word of mouth; Orally.
De vive voix = By word of mouth; Orally.
Ce sont des descriptions prises sur le vif = Those descriptions
are life-like.
Ce sont des descriptions prises sur le vif = Those descriptions are realistic.
Les paysans dans ce tableau sont pris sur le vif = The peasants
in that picture are life-like.
Les paysans dans ce tableau sont pris sur le vif = The peasants in that painting are realistic.
Il est dans les vignes du Seigneur = He is in his cups.
Il est dans les vignes du Seigneur = He is drinking heavily.
Du vin à faire danser les chèvres = Sour wine not fit to drink.
Du vin à faire danser les chèvres = Bad wine that's undrinkable.
*À bon vin point d’enseigne = Good wine needs no bush.
À bon vin point d’enseigne = Good wine needs no advertisement.
[It was a Roman custom to hang out a branch of ivy at the doors of
taverns in honour of Bacchus. Branches of green stuff may still be
seen at the doors of wineshops along the Loire and in Burgundy.
Kelly traces the word “bosky” (i.e. drunk) to this bush.]
[It was a Roman tradition to hang a branch of ivy at the doors of taverns in honor of Bacchus. You can still see green branches at the doors of wine shops along the Loire and in Burgundy. Kelly connects the word “bosky” (i.e. drunk) to this plant.]
Être entre deux vins = To be half seas over (pop.).
Être entre deux vins = To be tipsy (informal).
*Le vin entre, la raison sort = When ale is in, wit is out.
*Le vin entre, la raison sort = When the wine flows, common sense goes out the window.*
On ne connaît pas le vin aux cercles = You can’t judge cigars
by the picture on the box.
On ne connaît pas le vin aux cercles = You can’t judge cigars by the picture on the box.
Tremper son vin = To water one’s wine.
Tremper son vin = To dilute one’s wine.
[Tremper = tempérer, not to wet, but to moderate.]
[Tremper = tempérer, not to soak, but to tone down.]
Vous mouillez trop votre vin = You are drowning the miller.
Vous mouillez trop votre vin = You're watering down your wine.
Cela est un peu violent = That is too bad.
Cela est un peu violent = That's a bit harsh.
Payer les violons = To pay the piper.
Payer les violons = To pay the piper.
Je lui ai rompu en visière = I attacked (or, contradicted)
him openly.
Je lui ai rompu en visière = I confronted him openly.
[“Je n’y puis plus tenir, j’enrage; et mon dessein
Est de rompre en visière à tout le genre humain.”
Molière, Le Misanthrope, i. 1.
["I can't take this anymore, I'm so angry; and my plan
Is to go after all of humanity."]
Molière, Le Misanthrope, i. 1.
Literally the phrase means: to break one’s lance against the visor
of one’s enemy.]
Literally, the phrase means: to break one's lance against the face shield of one's enemy.
Plus vite que ça (fam.) = Look sharp about it.
Plus vite que ça (fam.) = Get it done quickly.
Je n’ai pas trouvé âme qui vive = I did not find a soul.
Je n’ai pas trouvé âme qui vive = I didn't find a single soul.
*Qui vivra verra = He who lives longest will see most; Time
will show (tell).
*Qui vivra verra = Those who live the longest will see the most; Time will reveal (show) everything.
Monsieur vit de ses rentes = The gentleman is independent
(i.e. has an income of his own).
Monsieur vit de ses rentes = The gentleman is financially independent
(i.e. has his own income).
Apprendre à vivre = To learn manners.
Apprendre à vivre = To learn how to behave.
Je lui apprendrai à vivre = I will teach him better manners (as
a threat).
Je lui apprendrai à vivre = I'll teach him some better manners (as a threat).
Comme c’est vécu! = How true to life!
Ils en sont venus aux voies de fait = They came to blows.
Ils en sont venus aux voies de fait = They started fighting.
Il est toujours par voies et par chemins = He is always on the
move, rambling.
Il est toujours par voies et par chemins = He is always on the go, wandering.
Les affaires sont en voie de hausse = Things are looking up.
Les affaires sont en voie de hausse = Things are looking up.
Être sur la voie = To be on the scent.
Être sur la voie = To be onto something.
Je suis en voie de le finir = I am in a fair way to finish it.
Je suis en voie de le finir = I'm about to finish it.
Comme le voilà sale! = Just see how dirty he is!
Comme le voilà sale! = Just look at how dirty he is!
Ne voilà-t-il pas qu’il est revenu = Who should come back but
he?
Ne voilà-t-il pas qu’il est revenu = Who else should come back but him?
Voilà comme vous êtes = That is just like you.
Voilà comme vous êtes = That's just like you.
Voilà comme je suis = You must take me as I am; That’s my way.
Voilà comme je suis = You have to accept me as I am; that's just how I roll.
On n’y voit goutte = One can see nothing.
On n’y voit goutte = You can't see a thing.
J’y vois trouble = I see dimly; My sight is dim.
J’y vois trouble = I see blurry; My vision is unclear.
Vous n’avez rien à y voir = That is no business of yours.
You have nothing to see here = That is none of your business.
Au vu et au su de tout le village = Openly, before the whole
village.
Au vu et au su de tout le village = Openly, in front of the entire village.
Je vous vois venir = I see what you are driving at.
Je vous vois venir = I see where you’re going with this.
J’ai voulu voir par moi-même = I wish to see with my own eyes.
J’ai voulu voir par moi-même = I want to see for myself.
Il nous en a fait voir de toutes les couleurs = He told us all
sorts of tales; He worried us beyond all bearing.
Il nous en a fait voir de toutes les couleurs = He shared all kinds of stories with us; He stressed us out more than we could handle.
Je n’ai pas voix au chapitre = (lit.) I have no right to speak;
(fig.) My opinion is not listened to.
Je n’ai pas voix au chapitre = (lit.) I don’t have a say;
(fig.) My opinion isn’t taken seriously.
Il a obtenu cela entre bond et volée = He obtained that at a
lucky moment.
Il a obtenu cela entre bond et volée = He got that at a lucky moment.
À toute volée = At random; At full swing.
À toute volée = Randomly; At full tilt.
Il est de la haute volée = He is a tip-top swell, of the first
water, of the upper ten.
Il est de la haute volée = He is top-notch, the best of the best, part of the elite.
On pouvait entendre voler une mouche = One could hear a pin
drop.
On pouvait entendre voler une mouche = You could hear a pin drop.
*Il ne l’a pas volé = He richly deserves it.
*Il ne l’a pas volé = He totally deserves it.
*Quand les voleurs se battent, les larcins se découvrent = When
thieves fall out, honest men get their own.
Quand les voleurs se battent, les larcins se découvrent = When thieves argue, honest people benefit.
*La bonne volonté est reputée pour le fait = The will is as
good as (is taken for) the deed.
*La bonne volonté est reputée pour le fait = Intentions matter as much as actions.
Je serai des vôtres = I shall be one of your party; I shall be
on your side.
Je serai des vôtres = I will be one of you; I will be on your side.
Vous avez fait des vôtres = You have committed follies
yourself; You have played pranks too.
Vous avez fait des vôtres = You have acted foolishly yourself; You have also played pranks.
Je ne sais à quel saint me vouer = I do not know which way to
turn.
Je ne sais à quel saint me vouer = I don't know which way to turn.
*Vouloir c’est pouvoir = Where there’s a will there’s a way.
*i lang="fr">Wanting is being able = Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
[Also: La volonté rend tout possible.
Willpower makes anything possible.
“Impossible est un mot que je ne dis jamais.”—Collin
d’Harleville, Malice pour Malice, i. 8.
“Impossible is a word I never say.”—Collin d'Harleville, Malice pour Malice, i. 8.
Napoléon I., in a letter to Lemarois, 9th July 1813, wrote: “Ce
n’est pas possible, m’écrivez vous, cela n’est pas Français.”
Napoléon I, in a letter to Lemarois, July 9, 1813, wrote: “It’s not possible, you write to me, that isn’t French.”
“Mirabeau disait un jour à son secrétaire: ‘Impossible! ne
me dites jamais ce bête de mot.’”—Dumont, Vie de
Mirabeau, quoted in Carlyle’s French Revolution, vol. ii. p.
118.]
“Mirabeau once said to his secretary: ‘Impossible! Never tell me that stupid word.’”—Dumont, Vie de
Mirabeau, quoted in Carlyle’s French Revolution, vol. ii. p.
118.]
Que voulez-vous? = 1. What do you want? What can I do for you?
2. What was to be done? 3. What can you expect?
Que voulez-vous? = 1. What do you want? How can I help you? 2. What was supposed to happen? 3. What can you anticipate?
Vous l’avez voulu! = It is your own fault; You would have it.
You asked for it! = It's your own fault; You wanted it.
[“Vous l’avez voulu, George Dandin!”
Molière, George Dandin, i. 9.]
[“You wanted this, George Dandin!”
Molière, George Dandin, Act 1, Scene 9.
On ne peut lui en vouloir = One cannot be angry with him, blame
him.
On ne peut lui en vouloir = You can't be mad at him, blame him.
En veux-tu? en voilà! = As much as ever you like.
En veux-tu? en voilà! = Take as much as you want.
Il y en avait à bouche que veux-tu = There was an abundant
supply of it; There was plenty for every one.
Il y en avait à bouche que veux-tu = There was a ton of it; There was more than enough for everyone.
Il sait ce que parler veut dire = He understands the hidden
meaning; He takes the hint.
Il sait ce que parler veut dire = He gets what talking really means; He picks up on the hint.
Je le veux bien = With pleasure! I have no objection.
Je le veux bien = Sure thing! I'm totally okay with that.
*“Le vrai peut quelquefois n’être pas vraisemblable” = Truth is
stranger than fiction.
*“Le vrai peut quelquefois n’être pas vraisemblable” = Truth can sometimes be stranger than what seems believable.*
[Boileau, Art Poétique, iii. 48.]
[Boileau, Art Poétique, iii. 48.]
Z.
Surtout, messieurs, pas de zèle! = Above all, gentlemen, don’t
be too anxious! Don’t try to hurry things on.
Surtout, messieurs, pas de zèle! = Above all, guys, don’t be too eager! Don’t rush things.
[Words attributed to Talleyrand on receiving the staff of the
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères.]
[Words attributed to Talleyrand on receiving the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.]
“Trop gratter cuit,”
Too much talking hurts,
Eating too much isn't wise.
A gray beard
Young mouse:
Love is for all ages.
Kids of Paris, what's the weather like?
It's raining over there, it's snowing here.
During the night
All cats are gray.
To travel safely
If love goes
Cahin-caha
Groom your mount.
Charles Collé (1709-1783).
Charles Collé (1709-1783).
INDEX OF ENGLISH PROVERBS
A
Absentees are always wrong, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ace, within a __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Adam delved and Eve span, when, 123, 219
Adam worked the ground and Eve made cloth, when, 123, 219
Adversity makes man wise, 229
Challenges make a person wise, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Against the grain, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Akimbo, to put one’s arms, 17
Akimbo, to place one's arms, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ale is in, wit is out, 232
Ale is in, wit is out, 232
All is not gold that glitters, 49
All that glitters is not gold, 49
All men are not alike, 114
All men are not the same, 114
All’s well that ends well, 124, 172
All's well that ends well, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
All work and no play, 220
All work and no play, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Almost and very nigh, 160
Almost and very close, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ambush, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Among the blind, one-eyed is king, 44
Among the blind, a one-eyed person is king, 44
And the rest! __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Answer a fool according to his folly, 214
Answer a fool according to their foolishness, 214
Appearances, for the sake of, 17
Appearances for the sake of __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Good appetite, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
April Fools', __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Arm in arm, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
As you make your bed, 41, 81
As you make your bed, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
At first glance, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Average, on a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Awkward fix, to get out of an, 180
Awkward fix, to get out of an, 180
B
Background, to put in, 188
Background, to include, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Back made for burden, 181
Back built for burden, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rough day, rough night, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bad thing never dies, 152
Bad things never die, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bag and baggage, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Band-box, come out of a, 110
Band-box, emerge from a __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bark is worse than bite, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bay, to be there, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Beak and claw, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Avoid the main topic, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_3__
Beat black and blue, 84, 99
Beat up and bruised, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Beat empty, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bedlam unleashed, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bee in one’s bonnet, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Beer, no small, of oneself, 167
Beer, not to be underestimated, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Beggars cannot be choosers, 106
Beggars can't be choosers, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Beginning not everything, 74
Starting point, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Behind the scenes, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bell the cat, to, 22, 137
Bell the cat, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Best cheapest in the end, 158
Best value in the end, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Best of friends must part, 75
Best friends have to part, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Be the day brief, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Better dry bread at home, 38
Better to eat dry bread at home, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Better late than never, 218
Better late than never, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Better the day, better the deed, 42, 148
Better the day, better the deed, 42, 148
Between devil and deep sea, 107
Between the devil and the deep blue sea, 107
Between us, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Between two stools, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
B from a bull’s foot, not to know, 1
B from a bull’s foot, not to know, 1
Big shot, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Billingsgate, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bird fouls its own nest, an ill, 169
Bird fouls its own nest, a bad situation, 169
Bird in hand, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Birds flown, to find the, 51, 169
Birds flew away, to find the, 51, 169
Birds of a feather, 22, 140
Birds of a feather, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Bird that catches the worm, 150, 203
Early bird gets the worm, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Bird told me so, a little, 99
Bird told me that, a little, 99
Bit by bit, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Biter bit, the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Black eyes, a couple of, 170
Black eyes, a few, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Blood from a stone, to get, 67
Blood from a stone, to get, 67
Blow someone's mind, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Blues, to have the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Boat, to be in sync, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bone to pick, to have a, 154
Bone to pick, to have a, 154
Bored, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Born to be hanged, never drowned, 94
Born to be hanged, never drowned, 94
Borrowing sadness, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Adapt to circumstances, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Boycott __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Boys will be boys, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Brand new, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bread is buttered, which side, 176
Bread is buttered, which side? __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bred in the bone, what is, 54, 63
Bred in the bone, what is, 54, 63
Broken reed, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Broom sweeps clean, a new, 30, 96
Broom sweeps clean, a new, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Bull by the horns, to seize the, 22
Bull by the horns, to seize the, 22
Burn candle at both ends, 60
Burn the candle at both ends, 60
Burnt child dreads the fire, 63
A burnt child fears fire, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Business, to mind one’s own, 5
Mind your own business, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Business is business, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Butter would not melt in mouth, 169
Butter would not melt in my mouth, 169
Bygones be bygones, to let, 174, 198
Let the past be the past, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
C
Cake and eat it, to have one’s, 101, 112
Cake and eat it, to have one’s, 101, 112
Cake, to take the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Candles away, all cats grey, 64
Candles out, all cats look the same, 64
Wrap up a story, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cap fits, wear it, if the, 134, 165
Cap fits, wear it; if the, 134, 165
Carpenter known by chips, 172
Carpenter recognized by scraps, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Carry coals to Newcastle, 102
Carry coals to Newcastle, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cart before horse, to put the, 62
Cart before horse, to put the, 62
Cast in the teeth, to, 168
Cast in the teeth, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dreams or fantasies, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cat after nice, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cat and dog life, to lead a, 3
Cat and dog life, to live it, 3
Catch it, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Cat may look at a king, 69
Cat may look at a king, 69
Cat on hot bricks, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cat’s away, mice will play, 64
When the cat's away, the mice will play, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Caught a Tartar, to have, 152
Caught a Tartar, to have, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Chaff, to catch with, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Chalk and cheese, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Forget about it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Change not a thing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Charity begins at home, 62
Charity starts at home, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Chatterbox, a regular, 36, 166
Chatterbox, a regular, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Cheaters never win, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Chip of the old block, 63, 124
Chip off the old block, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Christmas comes but once a year, 121, 148
Christmas comes only once a year, 121, 148
Civility costs nothing, 104, 179
Civility is free, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Claw me, and I’ll claw thee, 181
Claw me, and I’ll claw you, 181
Clean as a whistle, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Clean sweep, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Clear as day, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Clear as day, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Clockwork, like, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cloud and a silver lining, 189
Cloud with a silver lining, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Clover, to join, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Coach-and-four through Act of Parliament, 148
Coach and four through law, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Coat does not make gentleman, 139
Clothes don’t define a gentleman, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cobbler stick to last, let, 161
Cobbler, stick to your craft, let, 161
Fake news, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Top dog, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cold shoulder, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Come off as cheap, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fight, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Get to the point, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Coming—like Christmas, 169
Coming—like Christmas, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Comparisons are odious, 72
Comparisons are toxic, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Confession good for soul, 26
Confession is good for the soul, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cost what it takes, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Count chickens before hatched, 70, 76, 182
Count your chickens before they're hatched, 70, 76, 182
Cram, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cramming shop, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Creaking door hangs long, 47, 192
Creaking door hangs long, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Best of the best, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Crown his misfortune, to, 74, 156
Crown his bad luck, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Crumbs and crust, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Speak up before you’re hurt, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cry over spilled milk, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Curses come home to roost, 20, 155
Curses come back to haunt, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Cut coat according to cloth, 45
Cut coat based on fabric, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cut ground under feet, 141
Cutting ground beneath feet, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cut long story short, 165
In short, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
D
Daggers drawn, at, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dance attendance to, 88, 138
Show up to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Pitch black, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dark side of picture, 159, 205
Dark side of the image, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Daub yourself with honey, 48
Cover yourself in honey, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Day after the fair, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dead man, he is a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dead men's shoes, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dead men tell no tales, 37
Dead men don't tell tales, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Deaf as a post, as __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Death's door, at, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Devil and deep sea, between, 107, 158
Devil or deep sea, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Devil not so black as painted, 96
Devil not so black as painted, 96
Devil's own luck, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Devil was ill, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Diamond cuts diamond, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Die in the gutter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
The die is cast, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dine with Duke Humphrey, 73
Dine with Duke Humphrey, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dirt cheap, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Discretion better part of valour, 43
Discretion is the better part of valor, 43
Disgorge ill-gotten gains, 136
Return stolen profits, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Distance lends enchantment, 99
Distance adds magic, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Do it yourself, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog at a wedding, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog bad name and hang, 68
Dog has a bad name and hangs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog better than dead lion, a living, 90
Dog better than dead lion, a living, 90
Dog does not eat dog, 80, 153
Dog doesn't eat dog, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Dog has his day, every, 224
Dog has his day, always, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog in the manger, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog-ear a book, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dog will learn no tricks, an old, 146
Dog will learn no tricks, an old, 146
Done cannot be undone, 117
Done is done, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Doomsday, to wait till, 174
Doomsday, to wait until, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Door with creaking hinge, 120
Creaky door hinge, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Feeling down, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Down to the ground, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Do your duty, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dover Court, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drought, to be in a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Draught, to drink at a, 225
Drink on draft at a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Draw in one’s horns, to, 78
Lay low, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dreams go by contraries, 213
Dreams go by opposites, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drink in one go, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drink cup to the last drop, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drink a lot, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drop in the bucket, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drop too much, to have a, 82
Drop too much, to have a, 82
Dropping water wears away a stone, 103
Water dripping erodes a stone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Drowning man catches at a straw, 3
Drowning man grabs at a straw, 3
Drown the miller, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ducks and drakes, to play, 145
Ducks and drakes, to play, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Dull as ditchwater, 44, 133
Boring as watching paint dry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
E
Early to bed and early to rise, 23
Early to bed and early to rise, 23
Easier said than done, 39
Easier said than done, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
East, west, home best, 68
Home is best, no matter where. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Edged tools, to play with, 122
Sharp tools, to play with, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Edge off one’s appetite, to take, 111
Edge off one’s appetite, to take, 111
Eel, as slippery as an, 16
Eel, as slippery as an, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Elbow your way, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Elbow room, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
End crowns all, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
End justifies the means, 42
The end justifies the means, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
End to everything, 46, 221
End of everything, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
English, simply __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Englishman’s house his castle, 61
A man's home is his castle, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Enough is as good as a feast, 78
Enough is as good as a feast, 78
Errors accepted, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Even money, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ever drunk ever dry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Everybody's business, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Every dog has his day, 58
Every dog has its day, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Every inch a republican, 88
True to being a republican, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Every Jack must have his Jill, 192
Every Jack must have his Jill, 192
Every bit helps, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Every man for himself, 58, 210
Every man for himself, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Everything comes man who waits, 23
Everything comes to the man who waits, 23
Impromptu speaking, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Extremes collide, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Eye on the main chance, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
F
Face the consequences, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Her looks are her fortune, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Faint heart never won fair lady, 143
Faint heart never won fair lady, 143
Fair and softly goes far, 12
Slow and steady wins, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fair words butter no parsnips, 149
Fair words don't get results, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fair words never did harm, 179
Nice words never did harm, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fall between two stools, to, 59
Fall through the cracks, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Familiarity breeds contempt, 3
Familiarity breeds disdain, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Unrealistic, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fault confessed, half redressed, 182
Confession made, half forgiven, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Feather one’s nest, to, 44, 126
Take care of oneself, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Findings keep, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fine clothes do not fill stomach, 52
Fine clothes do not fill stomach, 52
Fine feathers make fine birds, 35
Stylish outfits make stylish people, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Finishing move, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Finger in every pie, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
First catch your hare, 182
First catch your rabbit, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
First come, first served, 95, 194
First come, first served, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
First in the game, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fish, flesh, nor fowl, 58
Fish, meat, or poultry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fish in troubled waters, 102
Fish in murky waters, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fish out of water, like a, 191
Fish out of water, like a, 191
Fish to fry, others, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fit to a T, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fits and starts, to work by, 33, 43, 209
Fits and starts, to work by, 33, 43, 209
Fix to be in a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Flash in the pan, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Flesh and blood, in, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Flesh creep, to make one’s, 58
Creepy feeling, to make one’s, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fool’s bolt is soon shot, a, 148
Fool’s bolt is shot quickly, a, 148
Fools have the best luck, 129
Fools have the best luck, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Foot foremost, to put one’s best, 186
Foot foremost, to put one’s best, 186
Foot in it, to put one’s, 189
Foot in it, to put one’s, 189
Forewarned, forearmed, 26
Forewarned is forearmed, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fortune knocks once, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fox to keep the geese, to set, 153
Fox to keep the geese, to set, 153
Free and easy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
French leave, to take, 123
No-show, to take, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Friend at court, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Friend in need is a friend indeed, 13, 37
Friend in need is a friend indeed, 13, 37
Frying-pan into the fire, to fall from, 47, 64, 122
Frying-pan into the fire, to fall from, 47, 64, 122
Fuel to the fire, to add, 146
Fuel to the fire, to add, 146
Funky, to exist, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
G
Game not worth candle, 60
Game not worth it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Chivalrous, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Get blood from a stone, 144
Get blood from a stone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Get out of bed the wrong side, 43
Get out of bed on the wrong side, 43
Gift-horse in the mouth, to look at, 49, 66
Gift horse in the mouth, to look at, 49, 66
Gift of the gab, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sweeten the deal, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Give any one the slip, 75
Lose anyone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Give him an inch, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Give the devil his due, 95
Give the devil his due, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Give twice who gives quickly, 99
Give twice to those who give quickly, 99
Glass houses throw stones, 229
People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
God helps those who help themselves, 9
God helps those who help themselves, 9
God sends thread for begun web, 123
God sends thread for the web that’s been started, 123
God softens the wind, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Split it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Golden ratio, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Done deal, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Good as gold, like __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Good books, to be in one’s, 177
Good books, to be in one’s, 177
Good breeding always tells, 209
Good manners always show, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Good name better than riches, 57
Good name is better than wealth, 57
Good wine needs no bush, 42, 232
Good wine doesn't need a sign, 42, 232
Gordian knot, to cut, 226
Cut the Gordian knot, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Gospel, to take anything for, 21
Gospel, to take anything for, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Go to Jericho, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Grandmother to suck eggs, 18, 203
Grandmother to suck eggs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Grapes are tart, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Grasp all, lose all, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Great cry, little wool, 50
Great shout, little fleece, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Great wits jump together, 111
Smart minds think alike, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
It's all Greek to him, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Grey mare the better horse, 109, 192
Grey mare is the better horse, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Grist for the mill, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Grudge the food he eats, 76
Grudge the food he eats, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hold a grudge, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Guilty conscience needs no accuser, 113, 199
Guilty conscience needs no accuser, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
H
Habit is second nature, 40
Habit is second nature, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cliché, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hail-fellow-well-met, 75, 176
Hey there, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Split ends, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Fit and healthy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Half a loaf is better than no bread, 138, 182
Half a loaf is better than no bread, 138, 182
Half in jest, half in earnest, 123
Half in jest, half in earnest, 123
Half drunk, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hall marked, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hand and glove together, 44, 99, 116
Hand in hand, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Hands make light work, many, 9
Many hands make light work, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hand in hand, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hand to mouth, to live from, 147
Hand to mouth, to live from, 147
Hanged for a sheep as a lamb, 34, 69, 134
Hanged for a sheep as a lamb, 34, 69, 134
Whatever happens, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Broke, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Harm watch, harm catch, 155
Harm watch, harm catch, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Harp on same string, 60, 107
Harp on the same note, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Haste makes waste, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Haul over the coals, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hawk from handsaw, not to know, 178
Hawk from handsaw, not to know, 178
Heads or tails, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hear both sides, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Helping hand, to give a, 84, 154
Helping hand, to give a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Helve after axe, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
He who will not when he may, 202
He who won't when he can, 202
Hiding, to give a good, 3
Hiding, to make a good, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
High winds blow on high hills, 137
High winds blow on high hills, 137
Hint, to take a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nail it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hit with a vengeance, 154
Hit hard, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Holloa before out of wood, 69
Holla before leaving the woods, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Home, no place like, 68, 172
Home, there's no place like it, 68, 172
Home, to make oneself at, 3
Home, a place to feel comfortable, 3
Honest man's word, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Honesty is the best policy, 126
Honesty is the best policy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Honour among thieves, 153
Honor among thieves, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Honour to whom honour is due, 59, 211
Honour to whom honour is due, 59, 211
Hook or crook, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Troublemaker, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hope, the last, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Horse of another colour, 25, 156
Different story, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Horse to grass, to send a, 231
Horse to grass, to send a, 231
Horse, to ride the high, 66
Horse, to ride high, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Host, to reckon without, 76, 143
Host, to rely on, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
House or home, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
H’s, to drop one’s, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hue and cry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hunger is the best sauce, 18
Hunger is the best seasoning, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hunger tames the lion, 115
Hunger tames the lion, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hungry as a wolf, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hungry man is an angry man, 7
Hungry people get hangry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hurry the less speed, the more, 50
Hurry less, go faster, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
I
Idle brain the devil’s workshop, 123
Idle mind is the devil's playground, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
If wishes were horses, 212, 215
If wishes were horses, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Ill bird fouls its own nest, 169
Ill bird fouls its own nest, 169
Ill-mannered cub, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Bad news travels fast, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ill weeds grow apace, 141
Weeds grow quickly, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ill wind blows no one good, 42, 156
Ill wind blows no one good, 42, 156
Image of his mother, the very, 87, 107
Image of his mother, the very, 87, 107
Improve upon acquaintance, to, 77
Enhance connection with __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Single file, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
In for a penny, in for a pound, 34, 40
In for a penny, in for a pound, 34, 40
Ins and outs, to know, 129, 226
Ins and outs, to know, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
In wine, there is truth, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Irishman's gun, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Irons in fire, too many, 63, 151
Irons in the fire, too many, 63, 151
J
Jack has his Jill, every, 192
Jack has his Jill, always, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Jack of all trades, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Shoddy house, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Joke, to be beyond a, 146, 200
Joke, to go beyond a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Joker, a sarcastic, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Judge by appearances, 163
Judge by looks, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Justice no respecter of persons, 148
Justice doesn’t favor anyone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
K
Keep a dog and bark thyself, 228
Keep a dog and bark yourself, 228
Keep open house, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Keep the ball rolling, 139
Keep the momentum going, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Keep the pot boiling, 158
Keep the pot simmering, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Key of the street, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pass away, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Kill slowly, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Killed instantly, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Kill two birds, to, 82, 187
Kill two birds, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Know from Adam, not to, 77
Know from Adam, not to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Know in the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Knowledge is power, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Know nothing, doubt nothing, 210
Know nothing, doubt nothing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Submit, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
L
Lady, a great, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Last straw breaks camel’s back, 46, 103
Last straw breaks the camel’s back, 46, 103
Laugh best who laugh last, 206
Laugh best who laugh last, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Laugh in forced manner, 46
Laugh in a forced way, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Laughingstock, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Laugh in one’s sleeve, 31, 53
Laugh in secret, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Laugh on wrong side of face, 207
Laugh on the wrong side of your face, 207
Laugh to-day, cry to-morrow, 206
Laugh today, cry tomorrow, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lazy people take most pains, 178
Lazy people take on the most trouble, 178
Least said soonest mended, 179
Less is more, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Leave no stone unturned, 71, 106
Leave no stone unturned, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Leave well alone, 38, 162
Leave it be, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Leave without beat of drum, 92
Leave without a sound, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Legal currency, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Let cat out of the bag, 159
Let the cat out of the bag, 159
Let sleeping dogs lie, 64
Let sleeping dogs lie, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Let those laugh who win, 206
Let the winners laugh, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lie without shame, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Life and soul of party, 47
Life and soul of the party, 47
Life in the old dog yet, 43
Life in the old dog yet, 43
Light as a feather, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lightly come, lightly go, 126
Come and go easily, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Like as two peas, as, 102
Like two peas in a pod, as, 102
Like master, like man, 155, 218
Like leader, like follower, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Like sire, like son, 69, 209
Like father, like son, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Like attracts like, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lion had need of the mouse, 129
Lion had a use for the mouse, 129
Lion’s mouth, to rush into, 153
Lion's mouth, to rush into, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Little fellows are often great wits, 209
Little fellows are often great thinkers, 209
Little pitchers have long ears, 64
Little kids have big ears, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Little pot gets hot fast, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Little rain lays much dust, 1
Little rain settles a lot of dust, 1
Little strokes fell great oaks, 184
Little efforts can lead to big results, 184
Loan loses self and friend, 13
Loan loses himself and his friend, 13
Lock the stable door, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Long lane without turning, 176
Straight long road ahead, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Long looked for comes at last, 169
Finally arrives, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Look before you leap, 124
Look before you jump, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Look gift-horse in mouth, 49, 66
Look a gift horse in the mouth, 49, 66
Stay sharp about it! __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lose nothing for want of asking, 206
Lose nothing for lack of asking, 206
Lose your head, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lot of good that will do, 145
Lot of good that will do, 145
Love dies hard, true, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Love laughs at locksmiths, 14
Love mocks locksmiths, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Love me, love my dog, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lurch, to leave in the, 188
Lurch, to leave in the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
M
Mackerel sky, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mad as a March hare, 59, 85
Mad as a March hare, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Make a cat smile, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Make the best of a bad situation, 42, 129, 146
Make hay while sun shines, 30
Make hay while the sun shines, 30
Make your mouth water, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Everyday person, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Man proposes, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Manners evolve, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Many a true word spoken in jest, 230
Many a true word is said in jest, 230
March winds and April showers, 158
March winds and April rains, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mare better horse, the grey, 109, 192
Better horse, the gray, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Mare’s nest, to find a, 185
Mare's nest, to find a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Marines, to inform, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mar-joy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Match for a person, no, 67
Match for someone, no, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Of course, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Measure someone else's peck, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Men die as they live, 218
Men die as they live, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mess to get into a __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Mess, to make a pretty, 6
Mess, to make it pretty, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Might makes right, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Milk and honey, flowing with, 72
Milk and honey, flowing with, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Milksop, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mince matters, not to, 65, 166
Mince doesn't matter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Mincemeat of, to make, 139
Mincemeat, to make, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Miserly father, spendthrift son, 26
Cheap dad, extravagant son, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Misfortunes never come singly, 21, 156
Misfortunes never come alone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Miss the mark, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Money makes money, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Money to be made of, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Money, ready, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Moon made of green cheese, 149
Moon made of green cheese, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
More frightened than hurt, 185
More scared than hurt, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
More haste, less speed, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_3__
More the merrier, the, 130
More the merrier, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Mountain out of molehill, 166, 171
Making a big deal, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Move forward, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Reap what you sow, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Much ado about nothing, 35
Much fuss over nothing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Much coin, much care, 138
More money, more responsibility, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Much would have more, 16, 189
Much would have more, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Murder king’s English, to, 214
Murder the king’s English, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
N
Nail right on head, to hit, 99, 107
Nail right on the head, to hit, 99, 107
Close call, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nearer to the church, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Necessity, mother of invention, 176
Necessity is the mother of invention, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Needle in bundle of hay, 9
Needle in a haystack, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Cool happenings, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nick of time, to come in, 21, 54, 190
Nick of time, to come in, 21, 54, 190
Nine days of amazement, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No entry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Noble to ninepence, to bring, 214
Noble to a dime, to bring, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No risk, no reward, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No worries about that, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No living man all things can, 144
No living man can do everything, 144
Nod is as good as wink to blind horse, 57
Nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse, 57
None so deaf, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
No pay, no show, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No sooner said than done, 23
No sooner said than done, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Not home, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing ask, nothing have, 143
Nothing asked, nothing gained, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing for nothing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing succeeds like success, 184
Nothing succeeds like success, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing like leather, 174
Nothing beats leather, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing new, that is, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nothing venture, nothing win, 206
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No entry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
No use my talking, 28, 35
No point in me talking, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Not my thing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Outdated, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Now or never, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
O
Take the oath, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ogre, to eat like an, 157
Ogre, to eat like a __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Old as the hills, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Old birds not caught with chaff, 161
Old birds aren't fooled by nonsense, 161
Old dog will learn no tricks, 146
Old dogs can't learn new tricks, 146
Old-fashioned, quite, 146
Old-fashioned, really, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Old maid, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Old wives' tales, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Once and for all, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Once bit, twice shy, 63, 201
Once bitten, twice shy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Once in a blue moon, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
[245]When one door closes, another one opens, 184
One good turn deserves another, 62, 146
One good deed deserves another, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
One man can take horse to water, 213
One man can lead a horse to water, 213
One man may steal a horse, 166
One man might steal a horse, 166
One man's treasure, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
One scruffy sheep, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
One swallow does not make a summer, 86
One swallow doesn't make a summer, 86
Just this once, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Open confession good for soul, 26
Open confession is good for the soul, 26
Opportunity makes the thief, 150
Opportunity makes the thief, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Out-Herod Herod, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Out of debt, out of danger, 95
Out of debt, out of danger, 95
Out of print, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Out of sight, out of mind, 73
Out of sight, out of mind, 73
Feeling off, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Out of the frying-pan, 47
Out of the frying pan, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Out of world as out of fashion, 130
Out of style, just like everything else, 130
Over my head, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
P
P’s and Q’s, to mind one’s, 38
P’s and Q’s, to mind one’s, 38
Pack becomes small pedlar, a small, 185
Pack becomes a small peddler, a small, 185
Pay back in own coin, to, 164
Pay back in your own way, to, 164
Pay, no piper, no, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pay the piper, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pay with promises, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pearls before swine, to cast, 184
Cast pearls before swine, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Broke, to be, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Penny saved is a penny earned, 104, 133
Penny saved is a penny earned, 104, 133
Penny wise and pound foolish, 46, 60
Penny wise, pound foolish, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Peril proves who dearly loves, 10
Peril reveals true love, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pet dislike, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pickle, to be in a pretty, 35, 101
Pickle, to be in a nice, 35, 101
Pigeonholed, to be, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pig in a poke, to buy a, 3
Pig in a poke, to buy a, 3
Pin a day, groat a year, 110
Pin a day, groat a year, 110
Pinch of salt, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pin drop, to hear a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pins and needles, to be on, 215
Pins and needles, to be on, 215
Piper, to settle the matter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Pitch and toss, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pitch, to connect, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pitcher that often goes to the well, 18
Pitcher that often goes to the well, 18
Plain as day, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Plain English, in, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Play the prude, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Please the eye, fill the purse, 229
Please the eye, fill the wallet, 229
Plenty makes fancy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Poaches on my preserves, 49
Stealing from my stash, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pocket an insult, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Point-blank, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Point, not to the, 8, 117
Point, not to the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Point, to come to the, 117, 181
Point, to get to the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Poor as a church mouse, 105
Broke as a church mouse, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Possession nine points of law, 192
Possession of nine legal points, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pot calls kettle black, 131, 183
Pot calling the kettle black, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Potluck, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Pot soon hot, a little, 185
Pot's getting hot, a bit, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Poverty in at door love out at window, 126
Poverty comes in through the door, love goes out the window, 126
Poverty isn't a crime, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Practice makes perfect, 115, 128
Practice makes perfect, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Practise what one preaches, to, 113
Practice what you preach, too, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Precepts guide, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Precious close to it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Precious couple, a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Prefer advice to praise, 78
Prefer feedback to compliments, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Prettiness makes no pottage, 35
Looks don't matter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Prude, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Promises are like pie-crust, 39
Promises are like pie crust, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Proud as a peacock, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Put shoulder to wheel, 172
Put your shoulder to the wheel, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Q
Quarrel about nothing, to, 11
Fight over nothing, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Queen Anne has passed away, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Queer fish, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Quite between ourselves, 98
Just between us, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
R
Racket, to stand the, 56, 193
Racket, to take a stand the, 56, 193
Rage, to be the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Rap isn't worth a __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Hand-me-down, a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Receiver as bad as thief, 24, 208
Receiver is as bad as a thief, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Red at night the shepherd’s delight, 39
Red at night, a shepherd's delight, 39
Caught in the act, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Reed, to trust to a broken, 19
Reed, to rely on a broken, 19
No way, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Regular as clockwork, 167, 202
Regular as clockwork, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Repent when you're ready, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Return of post, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Return to our subject, 167
Return to our subject, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
[246]Riches, a good name better than, 203
[246]Wealth, a good reputation is more valuable than, 203
Ride rough-shod over, 186
Ride over, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ring down the curtain, 223
Close the curtain, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rob a church, he would, 24
Rob a church, he would, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rob Peter to pay Paul, 91
Rob Peter to pay Paul, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rod in pickle, to keep a, 134
Rod in pickle, to keep a, 134
Roland for an Oliver, 63, 195
Roland for an Oliver, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Rolling stone gathers no moss, 187
A rolling stone gathers no moss, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rome was not built in a day, 20, 117
Rome was not built in a day, 20, 117
Room for growth, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Room to swing a cat in, not, 154
Room to swing a cat in, not, 154
Rose has its thorn, every, 207
Every rose has its thorn, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rough tools for rough work, 135
Rugged tools for tough jobs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rough with smooth, to take, 36
Rough and smooth, to take, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rough with the smooth, to take, 138
Rough with the smooth, to take, 138
Routine, return to old, 74
Routine, return to the past, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
In the same situation, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Rub, there’s the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Rule men with rod of iron, 29
Rule men with a rod of iron, 29
Rule of thumb, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Ruling passion strong in death, 8
Strong desire even in death, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Run for your lives, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Run headlong into trap, 30
Run straight into trap, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Run with hare and hunt with hounds, 67, 103
Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, 67, 103
S
Sack, to give any one the, 30
Sack, to fire anyone, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Safe bind, safe find, 160
Safe bind, safe find, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Saintly look, to put on a, 17
Saintly look, to put on a, 17
Saint Swithin’s Day, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Salt, not worth his time, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Salt on bird’s tail, to put, 211
Salt on bird’s tail, to put, 211
Same old story, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Satan finds mischief still, 173
Satan still finds mischief, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Save appearances, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sea-legs, to have one’s, 186
To have one's sea legs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Secret, an open, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Secret of two, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
See stars, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Self-praise no recommendation, 152
Self-promotion is no endorsement, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sell like crazy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Send about one’s business, 109
Mind your business, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Serves you right, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_3__
Set a beggar on horseback, 174
Set a beggar on a horse, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Set a thief to catch a thief, 80
Set a thief to catch a thief, 80
Set fox to keep geese, 153
Set a fox to guard geese, 153
Seven-league boots, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shakes, not great, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shanks' horse, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sharp as a needle, as, 13
Sharp as a needle, like __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Black sheep, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shelf, to be put on the, 201
Shelf, to be placed on the, 201
Indecisiveness, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shine at wrong end, to, 217
Shine at the wrong end, too, 217
No slacking off, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shoe lost for want of nail, 16
Shoe lost because of a missing nail, 16
Shoemaker’s wife the worst shod, 65
Shoemaker’s wife is the worst dressed, 65
Shoe pinches, where the, 32
Shoe pinches, where the __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shoot for the stars, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Short life and merry, 19, 42
Short life and fun, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Short reckonings make long friends, 42
Short talks make long friends, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Shoulder, the cold, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Show the white feather, 53
Show the white feather, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sick and tired of anything, 101
Fed up with everything, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Silence gives consent, 78, 165
Silence equals agreement, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Silent sow sucks wash, 48
Silent pig sucks wash, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Silk purse out of sow’s ear, 51
Silk purse out of a sow’s ear, 51
Silks and satins put out the kitchen fire, 228
Silks and satins extinguished the kitchen fire, 228
Silver spoon in one’s mouth, 74
Silver spoon in mouth, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sin, as ugly as, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Six of one and half-a-dozen of another, 43
Six of one and half-a-dozen of another, 43
Sixes and sevens, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Skeleton in the cupboard, 79
Skeleton in the closet, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Skin a flint, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sleep like a top, to, 100
Sleep like a baby, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sleep on it, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Slippery as an eel, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Slow and sure wins the race, 12, 65
Slow and steady wins the race, 12, 65
Sly dog, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Small parcels, fine wares, 173, 209
Small packages, quality items, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Smart for it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Lamp scent, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Smoke, to finish in, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Smoke without fire, no, 132
Smoke without fire, no, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Snake in the grass, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
So many guys, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
So much for the good, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Song, to buy for a mere, 3
Song, to buy for just a, 3
The sooner, the better, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Okay, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sowing wild oats, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sow by bad advice, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Spade a spade, to call a, 18, 63
Spade a spade, to call a, 18, 63
Spare the rod, spoil the child, 10
Spare the rod, spoil the child, 10
Speak ill in absence, 216
Talk bad behind someone's back, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Speak of angels, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Speech silvern, silence golden, 179
Speech is silver, silence is golden, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Split difference, to, 190
Split the difference, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Split hairs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Split sides with laughter, 44
Split sides with laughter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Spoil ship for ha’porth of tar, 60
Spoiling a ship for the price of a little tar, 60
Spoke in wheel, to put, 33
Spoke in the wheel, to put, 33
Sprat to catch a herring, 122, 171
Sprat to catch a big fish, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Hold the racket, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stake, your life is at, 8, 12
Stake, your life is on the line, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Old news, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stare in the face, to, 87, 171
Stare in the face, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
No advertising, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Stick, to get hold of wrong end of, 16
Stick, to misinterpret the situation, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Still tongue, wise head, 210
Silence is golden, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Still waters run deep, 102
Still waters run deep, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sting is in the tail, 199
Sting is in the end, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stirrup cup, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stitch in time saves nine, 190
Stitching something up when it first happens saves a lot of work later, 190
Stolen joys are sweet, 18, 176
Stolen joys are sweet, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Stone unturned, to leave no, 106
Leave no stone unturned, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Store is no longer a sore, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Strain at a gnat, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Strain every nerve, to, 122, 209
Give it your all, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Straw breaks camel’s back, the last, 46
Straw breaks the camel’s back, the last, 46
Straw, not to care a, 15, 171
Straw, not to care about a, 15, 171
Take a walk, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Strike while iron is hot, 121
Strike while the iron is hot, 121
String to bow, more than one, 201, 216
String to bow, more than one, 201, 216
Struck all of a heap, 121
Stunned, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stuck pigs, to look like, 69
Stuck pigs, to resemble, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Stuff and nonsense, all, 29, 142
Nonsense, all, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Style icon himself, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Success justifies the means, 124
Success justifies the means, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, 147
Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, 147
Sunday best, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Sweep, to make a clean, 217
Clean up, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
T
Tail between legs, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Take after a person, to, 11
Take after someone, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Take care of the pence, 104
Take care of the pennies, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Take it or leave it, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Take law into own hands, 200
Take the law into your own hands, 200
Take the wall, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Take time by forelock, 30, 67
Take the opportunity while you can, 30, 67
Take a wise man to be a fool, 130
Take a wise person to be a fool, 130
Tale never loses in telling, 152
Story never loses in telling, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Talking to the void, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tastes vary, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tell that to the marines, 25
Tell that to the Marines, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tender-handed stroke a nettle, 172
Touch a nettle gently, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tether, to be at end of, 79
Tether, to be at the end of, 79
Thames on fire, to set the, 193
Thames on fire, to set the, 193
That tops it all, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
That’s the way of the world, 156
That’s how things are in the world, 156
There are many errors, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Thick as thieves, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Things, where are my __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__?
Thorns, stay sharp, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Those who lose pay, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Threats light as air, 106
Threats light as a feather, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Time is money, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tip the porter, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Top-notch, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tidbit, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tit for tat, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tom, Dick, and Harry, 223
Tom, Dick, and Harry, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Too many cooks spoil broth, 209
Too many cooks ruin the soup, 209
Too much of a good thing, 146
Too much of a good thing, 146
Topsy-turvy, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Travellers tell fine tales, 160
Travelers share great stories, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Trespassers will be prosecuted, 92
No trespassing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Tricks, to be at one’s old, 116
Tricks, to be at one’s old, 116
Truth stranger than fiction, 234
Truth is stranger than fiction, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Truth will out, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Turn in all standing, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Turn a new leaf, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Turn to play, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Two can play at that game, 146
Two can play at that game, 146
Two heads better than one, 26
Two heads are better than one, 26
Two of a trade, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Two's a crowd, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
U
Current, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Up to-day, down to-morrow, 58
Up today, down tomorrow, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
V
Vengeance, to rain with a, 18
Vengeance, to pour down with a, 18
A word is enough., __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Very man, the, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
W
Watched pot never boils, 94
A watched pot never boils, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Water off duck’s back, 89
Water off a duck's back, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Water one’s wine, to, 232
Water down one’s wine, to, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Weakest go to the wall, 34
Survival of the fittest, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Week of Sundays, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Well begun is half done, 75
Well begun is half the battle, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Well, I never! __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Wet blanket, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Soaked to the skin, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
What a fuss, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
What can’t be cured, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
What is done cannot be undone, 203
What’s done is done, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
When at Rome do as Rome does, 152
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, 152
When Greeks joined Greeks, 125
When Greeks teamed up, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
When unsure, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
When thieves fall out, 234
When thieves argue, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
When world was young, 219
When the world was young, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Where there’s a will, 124, 234
Where there's a will, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
While there’s life, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Whip-hand, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Whistling woman, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
White elephant gift, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Wholesale and retail, 138
Wholesale and retail, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Whole show, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Who lives longest sees most, 232
Whoever lives the longest sees the most, 232
Wild horses would not make him speak, 223
Wild horses wouldn't make him talk, 223
Wilful waste makes woeful want, 93
Wilful waste leads to regretful need, 93
Will is as good as deed, 145, 234
Will is as good as action, 145, 234
Whether you like it or not, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Wind and weather permitting, 219
Weather permitting, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Wishes were horses, if, 212, 215
Wishes were horses, if __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__
Wish is father to thought, 88
Wish is the father of thought, 88
Woman's intuition, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Word to the wise, a, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__
Work hard, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Workman blames tools, a bad, 175
Workman blames tools, a bad __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
If worst comes to worst, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Worst wheel makes most noise, 50
Loudest wheel makes the most noise, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Worth his weight in gold, 184
Worth his weight in gold, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Worth a brass farthing, not, 92
Worthless, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Wrong end of the stick, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Y
Yellow as a canary, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
Edinburgh & London
Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
Edinburgh & London
DESHUMBERT’S DICTIONARY OF DIFFICULTIES
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1. ALEXANDRE DUMAS: JACOMO. Edited by F. W. Walton,
M.A., Librarian of King’s College, London.
1. ALEXANDRE DUMAS: JACOMO. Edited by F. W. Walton, M.A., Librarian of King’s College, London.
2. ANTOINE GALLAND: SINDBAD LE MARIN. Edited by Charles
Penney, B.A., Principal of Kensington Coaching College.
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7. LOUIS GARNERAY: VOYAGES, ADVENTURES AND BATTLES. Edited by
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Other Works are in active preparation.
Other works are currently in progress.
Square brackets and punctuation, apparently missed in printing, were added.
Square brackets and punctuation, which seem to have been overlooked in printing, were included.
As the material was drawn from many sources, of many ages, no changes were made to accents, grammar, hyphens or spelling except:
As the material came from various sources and time periods, no changes were made to accents, grammar, hyphens, or spelling except:
- “Sa faire la barbe” was changed to “Se faire la barbe” on page 31.
- “loche” was changed to “cloche” on page 121.
- “povery” was changed to “poverty” in the index on page 245.
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