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      • French Idioms

      French Idioms

      • Date April 11, 2017

      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

       

       

      Tag:atlanta, expressions, french idioms, ga, georgia, language island, learn free

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