Ever wondered what French people mean when they say they have "the cockroach" or "that someone is breaking their ears"? The French language is full of quirky, funny idioms that will not only make you chuckle but also give you a glimpse into the culture and humour of France. Buckle up for a fun linguistic ride!
10 French Idioms that Will Make You Laugh Out Loud (and Learn Something New!)
- “Mettre son grain de sel” (To put in one’s grain of salt)
- Meaning: To give an unsolicited opinion.
- Usage: When someone chimes in with their advice, you might say, “Il a mis son grain de sel.”
- “Faire la grasse matinée” (To have a fat morning)
- Meaning: To sleep in late.
- Usage: Perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings when you stay in bed until noon.
- “Poser un lapin” (To put down a rabbit)
- Meaning: To stand someone up.
- Usage: If your friend didn’t show up for your coffee date, you could complain, “Il m’a posé un lapin!”
- “Avoir le cafard” (To have the cockroach)
- Meaning: To feel blue or down.
- Usage: When someone is feeling sad, they might say, “J’ai le cafard aujourd’hui.”
- “Les carottes sont cuites” (The carrots are cooked)
- Meaning: It’s all over.
- Usage: When a situation is beyond saving, you might lament, “Les carottes sont cuites!”
- “Casser les oreilles” (To break the ears)
- Meaning: To be very loud or annoying.
- Usage: When the neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking, “Ce chien casse les oreilles!”
- “Raconter des salades” (To tell salads)
- Meaning: To tell lies or tall tales.
- Usage: When someone is exaggerating, you can say, “Il raconte des salades.”
- “Avoir un poil dans la main” (To have a hair in the hand)
- Meaning: To be lazy.
- Usage: When someone avoids work, you might comment, “Il a un poil dans la main.”
- “Se prendre un râteau” (To take a rake)
- Meaning: To get rejected (especially in a romantic context).
- Usage: If someone’s love confession goes badly, you might hear, “Il s’est pris un râteau.”
- “Tomber dans les pommes” (To fall into the apples)
- Meaning: To faint.
- Usage: When someone faints from shock, you could say, “Elle est tombée dans les pommes.”
French idioms offer a delightful peek into the everyday life and humour of French-speaking people. Next time you hear one of these quirky phrases, you’ll not only understand it but also appreciate the colourful way the French express themselves.
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