French Idioms

This week we’re going to look at ten more French idiomatic expressions. These basic idiomatic expressions will help you to increase your French comprehension and acceptance by native speakers. For each expression, we’ve included a literal translation, the figurative meaning, and (where application) an equivalent English idiom.

 

If you need more help with idioms, or any other aspect of the French language, contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our caring, passionate French teachers can create a lesson plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

 

Appuyer sur le champignon

Literal translation: Step on the mushroom

Figurative meaning: Accelerate rapidly

English equivalent: Floor it, put the pedal to the metal, step on the gas

 

Arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe

Literal translation: Arrive like a hair on soup

Figurative meaning: Enter a situation at an awkward moment

English equivalent: Walk into the middle of something

 

Donner sa langue au chat

Literal Translation: Give your tongue to the cat

Figurative meaning: To give up

English equivalent: Throw in the towel

 

Être sans voix

Literal translation: Be without voice

Figurative meaning: Be speechless

English equivalent: Stunned speechless, without words

 

Faire le pont

Literal translation: Make the bridge

Figurative meaning: When a work holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday, take the closest Monday or Friday off as well to create a “bridge” to the weekend.

English equivalent: Three day weekend, holiday weekend

 

Mettre son grain de sel

Literal translation: Give a grain of salt

Figurative meaning: Offer an unsolicited opinion

English equivalent: Offer your two cents

 

Ne rien savoir faire de ses dix doigts

Literal translation: Nothing to do with his ten fingers

Figurative meaning: Someone who is completely useless

 

Poser un lapin à quelqu’un

Literal translation: Put a rabbit on someone

Figurative meaning: To not show up (for a date)

English equivalent: To stand someone up

 

Prendre la mouche

Literal translation: Take the fly

Figurative meaning: Leave angrily

English equivalent: Storm off

 

Rouler à tombeau ouvert

Literal translation: Rolling with the tomb open

Figurative meaning: To move at a rapid speed

English equivalent: Like a bat out of hell