A Journey Through Iconic French Expressions
"Ce n’est pas la mer à boire"
Exemple: Il faut étudier pour passer vos examens, ce n’est pas la mer à boire.
- It literally means, "It’s not the ocean to drink."
- But nothing to do with the ocean! It translates to "It’s not so difficult.”
- Linguistically, this expression originates from a fable written by Jean de la Fontaine in the 17th century. It comes from a metaphor meant to invoke the impossibility of a particular task, such as drinking the entire ocean. However, the idiom denies this comparison, saying that the task is possible and not insurmountable.
"Tomber dans les pommes"
Exemple : Quand il a vu le squelette, il est tombé dans les pommes.
- It literally means "to fall in the apples."
- But nothing to do with the fruit! It translates to “to pass out” or “to faint.”
- Linguistically, the origins of this idiom are contested. Some believe that the word “pâmer" ( “to swoon”) became the word “pomme.” Others contest that it comes from a similar 19th-century expression used by George Sand, “être dans les pommes cuites,” which shows more fatigue or tiredness. Over time, the expression shifted its meaning to represent people falling into great exhaustion.
"Être un rat de bibliothèque"
Exemple : Cette étudiante est un vrai rat de bibliothèque...
- It literally means "to be a rat of the library."
- But nothing to do with being a rat! It translates to "to spend all one’s time in the library" or "lost in books.” It is similar to the English expression of “bookworm.”
- Linguistically, this expression originates from historic libraries. It evokes the image of a dark, closed-off library, the perfect home for rats who would nibble on the books. The phrase was first used during the 19th century, and over time, its meaning has come to encompass people who “consume” or “devour” books by reading them.
"Démarrer sur des chapeaux de roue"
Exemple : Quand les cours ont commencé, le professeur a démarré sur des chapeaux de roue.
- It literally means "to resume on wheel hubs or hubcaps."
- But it has nothing to do with car parts! It translates to "start back with a bang" or "hit the ground running."
- Linguistically, this expression originates from motorsports. It evokes the image of a race car accelerating so quickly that it lifts onto its wheel hubs, barely touching the ground. Over time, the meaning has broadened to describe any energetic or aggressive resumption of an activity, often after a break or pause. quite fitting for this back-to-school season, isn't it?!
"Prendre le taureau par les cornes."
Exemple : Organiser la fête pour le quatorze juillet me demande un gros travail, il faut que prenne le taureau par les cornes.
- It literally means "to grab/take a bull by its horns."
- But nothing to do with bullfighting! It translates to "tackle a problem head-on" or "confront a difficulty directly."
- Linguistically, this expression originates from rural life. It evokes the image of a farmer who, when faced with a threatening bull, chooses to confront it directly by grabbing its horns rather than fleeing. Over time, the meaning has broadened to describe any bold action to solve a problem directly and courageously.
"Avoir un oeil au beurre noir"
Exemple : Après la bagarre, il a eu un oeil au beurre noir.
- It literally means "to have an eye in black butter."
- But it translates to "to have a black eye."
- Linguistically, it originates from French culinary terminology, where "beurre noir" means "black butter," referring to butter cooked until it turns dark brown. This idiom paints a vivid picture, likening the dark bruise around an injured eye to the rich, dark hue of browned butter. It is commonly used since the 19th century and describes someone who has been hit in the eye, resulting in a noticeable bruise.
"Poser un lapin "
Exemple : Il n'est pas venu au restaurant... Il m’a posé un lapin !
- It literally means "to place/put a rabbit ."
- But nothing to do with the furry animal! It translates to "stand someone up."
- Linguistically, it originates from French slang, where "poser un lapin" meant "not to reward a woman’s favors." So, the "rabbit" referred to a man who left women of little virtue without paying them. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe the act of failing to show up for a planned meeting, leaving someone waiting in vain.