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