Mind your language: Unveiling the charm of French idioms

The French language is celebrated for its elegance and sophistication, but delve a little deeper and you’ll find a treasure trove of quirky and expressive idioms. These colourful phrases add a unique flavour to everyday conversation, often leaving learners both amused and perplexed. To shed light on this fascinating aspect of the French language, we spoke with Ms Nidhi, the French teacher at Apeejay School International (ASI), Panchsheel Park.

C’est du gâteau (Literally: It’s cake)

Meaning: It’s easy

Ms Nidhi explains, “This idiom uses everyone’s love for cake to represent something effortless.” Imagine telling your friend that your recent exam was a piece of cake. Just like in English, “C’est du gâteau” is used to describe a task that is incredibly simple. It’s a delightful way to reassure someone that a challenge is not as daunting as it seems. The Apeejay teacher recalls her students’ faces lighting up when they first understand this phrase, realising that not all aspects of learning French are difficult.

Avoir le coup de foudre (Literally: To have a lightning bolt)

Meaning: To fall in love at first sight

Imagine being struck by lightning! This idiom captures the powerful feeling of instant attraction. “The phrase ‘coup de foudre’ is often used to describe an instant and undeniable attraction,” Nidhi shares. She adds a personal touch, recalling a student who described their first visit to Paris as a ‘coup de foudre’ with the city. The vivid imagery of lightning striking perfectly encapsulates the sudden and intense emotion of falling in love at first sight.

Faire la grasse matinée (Literally: To do the fat morning)

Meaning: To sleep in

For those who love a leisurely breakfast in bed, this idiom is perfect. “Faire la grasse matinée captures the essence of enjoying a relaxed and extended sleep in the morning,” says Nidhi. It’s about indulging in a bit of laziness and taking the time to rest. She fondly remembers weekends in France where mornings were spent in bed with a good book and croissants, truly embodying the spirit of this idiom.

Avoir la chance du boulanger (Literally: To have the baker’s luck)

Meaning: To be very lucky

Bakers in France are seen as fortunate because they get to work with delicious bread all day. This idiom, Ms Nidhi explains, is a way to say someone is on a lucky streak. “It’s a charming way to express good fortune,” she notes. Ms Nidhi further shares an anecdote about a student who, after a series of lucky events, was nicknamed “le boulanger” by his classmates. The imagery of a baker surrounded by fresh, warm bread adds a touch of everyday magic to the notion of luck.

Parler français comme une vache espagnole (Literally: To speak French like a Spanish cow)

Meaning: To speak poor French

This idiom might be a bit harsh, but it’s a humorous way to describe someone who struggles with French. Ms Nidhi advises, “While it can be seen as a bit rude, it’s often used playfully among friends or to tease someone about their French skills.” The humour comes from the absurdity of the image—a cow speaking any language is nonsensical. Ms Nidhi recalls a humorous incident in her class where a student used this phrase to describe his own attempts at speaking French, causing the whole class to burst into laughter.

Rouler sur l’or (Literally: To roll on gold)

Meaning: To be very wealthy

This idiom evokes an image of luxuriously rolling around on a pile of gold coins. It’s a clear and vivid way to describe someone who is extremely rich. “Nager dans l’or” (to swim in gold) is a similar expression, evoking an image of being surrounded by and indulging in wealth. Ms Nidhi explains that these idioms vividly illustrate the concept of immense wealth and are often used to paint a picture of opulence and extravagance. She recalls a lesson on French idioms where students enthusiastically discussed what they would do if they were ‘rouler sur l’or,’ sparking imaginative and lively conversation.

French idioms are a vibrant and integral part of the language, offering a window into French culture and the way people think and express themselves. As Ms Nidhi puts it, “These idioms add colour and character to the language, making it more engaging and fun to learn.” Whether you’re a language enthusiast or a curious traveller, understanding these idiomatic expressions can deepen your appreciation for French and enrich your conversations. So next time you’re conversing in French, don’t shy away from using these quirky expressions – they might just make your dialogue a piece of cake!

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