French Culture Through Its Idiomatic Expressions

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French Culture Through Its Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are part of a country’s culture. They are often difficult for foreign language learners to understand because their meaning cannot be translated literally. Understanding French expressions can help you improve your French language skills and give you a good insight into French culture.

Let’s focus on the most common idiomatic expressions used in France in daily life and at work!

3 Idiomatic Expressions Used in Daily Life in France

Here’s a small selection of French idiomatic expressions to know for successful integration.

“Faire la grasse matinée”

The expression “faire la grasse matinée” (to have a lazy morning) is commonly used in France, especially on weekends. It’s sometimes abbreviated as “faire la grasse mat'”. This expression means to sleep in or to have a lazy morning in bed.

A “grasse matinée” is simply a morning when you sleep in late. For example, it’s when you wake up at noon instead of your usual 7 AM wake-up time.

“En faire tout un fromage”

The expression “en faire tout un fromage” (to make a whole cheese out of it) is a quintessentially French expression! It means to make a mountain out of a molehill or to make a big deal out of nothing. The expression stems from the process of transforming a simple product like milk into something complex like cheese.

People in France use this expression when someone makes too much fuss about something trivial.

“Donner sa langue au chat”

“Donner sa langue au chat” (to give one’s tongue to the cat) is an idiomatic expression used when someone gives up trying to find an answer.

During a French class, if a student can’t answer a question, the teacher might ask: “Do you give up?” (literally, “do you give your tongue to the cat?”). If the student replies “yes, I give my tongue to the cat,” the teacher will provide the answer.

This expression is particularly common during riddles. When you can’t solve a riddle, you might tell the person who posed it “I give my tongue to the cat”.

5 Idiomatic Expressions Used in French Professional Settings

French idiomatic expressions aren’t just reserved for daily life; they’re also used in professional settings. Here are some expressions commonly used in business.

1. “Avoir du pain sur la planche”

“Avoir du pain sur la planche” (to have bread on the board) means to have a lot on one’s plate. Interestingly, at the end of the 19th century, this expression had a completely different meaning: having enough resources to face the future.

2. “Mettre du beurre dans les épinards”

“Mettre du beurre dans les épinards” (to put butter in the spinach) means to make ends meet. Spinach represents a difficult situation, while butter symbolizes money and comfort. Adding butter makes bland spinach more palatable, just as money can make a difficult situation more manageable.

3. “Connaître sur le bout des doigts”

“Connaître sur le bout des doigts” (to know on the fingertips) means to know something like the back of one’s hand.

4. “Mettre les points sur les i”

“Mettre les points sur les i” (to put the dots on the i’s) means to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

5. “Avoir le vent en poupe” 

The expression “avoir le vent en poupe” (to have the wind at the stern) means to be on a roll.

Did You Know?

Some expressions vary by region in France. For example, in Burgundy, people say “tomber dans les blettes” instead of “tomber dans les pommes” (both meaning “to faint”). Similarly, Alsatians say “avoir un crapaud dans la gorge” (a toad in the throat), while other French regions use “avoir un chat dans la gorge” – like the English “frog in one’s throat.”

As you can see, French idiomatic expressions reflect the culture, history, and way of life in France. At La French Zone, you can discover all these colorful expressions that enrich the language of Molière.

Soon enough, thanks to online French courses, you’ll feel “comme un poisson dans l’eau” (like a fish in water – meaning to feel completely at ease) during your conversations with French speakers!

Welcome to La French Zone

Hello ! My name is Daria Malardé and I'm a French teacher. My mission? Help you integrate professionally and personally in France with my 100% personalized courses.
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