{"id":117046,"date":"2023-12-15T01:10:03","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T06:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/french-sayings\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T05:10:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T10:10:28","slug":"french-sayings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/french-sayings\/","title":{"rendered":"62 Common French Sayings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Along with French slang<\/a>, French idioms<\/a> and French quotes, using popular French sayings in conversation is one of the fastest ways to show off your expertise.<\/p>\n

These 62 colorful and time-tested expressions are filled with both imagery and wisdom, and can be used in all sorts of everyday situations.
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1. L\u2019habit ne fait pas le moine <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>The vestment does not make the monk.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Just because a monk is wearing a renunciate\u2019s robe, it doesn’t mean that the monk is sincere in his intentions.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The phrase implies that appearances can sometimes mislead one\u2019s better judgment. The English equivalent would be, \u201cDon’t judge a book by its cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Qui vivra verra <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>He\/she who lives, shall see.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Something is unknown now, but will become clear in the future; the only way to find out is to wait and see.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>Typically used when an outcome is unpredictable or uncertain, like in the English phrase, \u201cThe future will tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Chacun voit midi \u00e0 sa porte <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Each person sees noon at his\/her door.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Each person prioritizes their own interests, and their unique perspective on life guides how they interact with others, set goals, work and live. This saying can also refer to a person\u2019s selfishness, when the only thing that matters is his\/her point of view.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is commonly used as a retort to tell someone to stop making comparisons between people because everyone is different. You can also use it when you find it impossible to reason with someone because their self-interest reigns supreme.<\/p>\n

4. Mieux vaut pr\u00e9venir que gu\u00e9rir <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"It<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> It’s better to prevent than to heal.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>It’s better to take the necessary precautions to prevent a sickness, than to have to treat and heal this sickness.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This is another widely used proverb, understood by all French natives. The French are very attached to this saying, which isn’t surprising, since they tend to view health as a top priority\u2014\u201cEt d\u2019abord, ne pas nuire !\u201d<\/em> (First, do no harm!).<\/p>\n

5. Qui n\u2019avance pas, recule <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Who does not move forward, recedes.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>There can be no standstill in life, only evolution or devolution. You can either adapt, or become stagnant and “recede.”<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This proverb can be used as encouragement in the need to persevere. It may be persistently employed, given its truth content. \u201cExpect poison from the standing water,\u201d the English poet William Blake\u00a0once wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Il ne faut pas se fier aux apparences <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> One should not trust appearances.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> This saying is the English equivalent of \u201cYou can\u2019t judge a book by its cover,\u201d or \u201cLooks can be deceiving.\u201d It means that you should get to know someone before you make judgments about them. In short: \u201cDon\u2019t make assumptions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is most commonly used to refer to people whose appearance seems to be en<\/em>\u00a0d\u00e9calage\u00a0<\/em>(mismatched) with their profession.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7. Petit \u00e0 petit, l\u2019oiseau fait son nid <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Little by little, the bird makes its nest.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This proverb designates patience and perseverance.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>It can be used in many situations, particularly to refer to something substantial that has not yet been accomplished, but will be with time and perseverance.<\/p>\n

8. Aussit\u00f4t dit, aussit\u00f4t fait <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> As soon as said, as soon as done.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>The equivalent English saying is, \u201cIt\u2019s as good as done.\u201d It indicates that something is or will be done almost immediately upon request.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is used most often in the context of giving someone a\u00a0coup de main\u00a0<\/em>(a helping hand) or doing them a favor.<\/p>\n

9. Bien mal acquis ne profite jamais <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> A badly acquired good never benefits.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/strong>: In English, the saying goes, \u201cIll-gotten goods seldom prosper,\u201d or \u201cCrime doesn\u2019t pay,\u201d meaning it\u2019s best to be honest because dishonesty doesn\u2019t get you anywhere.<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong>\u00a0While this saying explicitly refers to\u00a0theft, it can be extended to other dishonest behavior, such as lying to get a promotion at work, or sabotaging an adversary\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n

10. Qui court deux li\u00e8vres \u00e0 la fois, n\u2019en prend aucun <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Who<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Who runs after two hares at the same time, catches none.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>We ought to concentrate on one task at a time with optimal attention, as doing two things at once makes it more likely for each result to be unsatisfactory.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This proverb offers an important reminder not to let ambition turn into greed, so it can be wisely applied to many situations.<\/p>\n

11. Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is analogous to \u201cLive life to the fullest\u201d\u00a0or\u00a0c<\/em>arpe diem<\/em>\u00a0(seize the day)! Notice how\u00a0mangez bien\u00a0<\/em>(eat well) is the first thing on the list\u2014just one more reason why\u00a0cooking to learn French<\/a>\u00a0is a great idea.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying can be used to console that friend of yours (we all have that friend) who worries obsessively about the future or dwells on the past. It also works in the informal\u00a0tu\u00a0<\/em>register.\u00a0Live in the present!<\/p>\n

12. \u00c0 jeune chasseur, il faut un vieux chien <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> For the young hunter, an old dog is needed.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>An\u00a0inexperienced person needs someone older and wiser to show him\/her the ropes.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying can either be doled out as advice by an experienced person to their apprentice or used by the apprentice themselves. In the latter case, it is usually a compliment and a display of respect.<\/p>\n

13. Apr\u00e8s la pluie, le beau temps <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"After<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> After the rain, good weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is a poetic way of saying \u201cHang in there.\u201d Even if things are bad at the moment, they\u2019ll get better.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0saying can be employed as a consolation to a friend who is going through a bit of a rough patch in his\/her life.<\/p>\n

14. Quand on a pas ce que l\u2019on aime, il faut aimer ce que l\u2019on a <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>When one doesn’t have the things that one loves, one must love what one has.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>It reflects the saying, \u201cWant what you have and you’ll have what you want,\u201d highlighting the value of being content with the way things are now. Avoiding the burden of wanting what’s out of reach can help us become grateful for the things we do have.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>If you use this beautifully worded, yet sensible proverb at the appropriate time, the French will surely be intrigued by your wisdom.<\/p>\n

15. Bien faire et laisser dire <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Do well and let (them) speak.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do what you believe is right and don\u2019t pay attention to what others have to say about it.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying can be used in the context of work or morally- or politically-charged situations to tell someone to do what they believe in, regardless of disapproval from naysayers or critics. You do you!<\/p>\n

16. Il n\u2019y a pas plus sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"No<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>No one is as deaf as the one who does not want to listen.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>People who are too stubborn or caught up in their own self-assertions pay no attention to others’ advice or opinions.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This is a proverb qui court les rues<\/em>\u00a0(that runs the streets, meaning it’s widely used). In Paris, debating is almost a sport. When a debate leads nowhere because of each side’s tenacity, this saying is likely to be used by either party (if both believe they are right).<\/p>\n

17. Passer comme une lettre \u00e0 la poste <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To go through like a letter in the mail.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Passer <\/em>is an interesting verb because it can either mean \u201cto pass\u201d (as in \u201cto go by\u201d) or \u201cto be accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>Passer comme une lettre \u00e0 la poste <\/em>is used to refer to something, usually an event, that\u2019s easy, runs smoothly and is hassle-free.<\/p>\n

18. Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>If youth knew, if age could.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is a French equivalent of \u201cYouth is wasted on the young.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>You can use this phrase whenever young people are taking the advantages of their youth for granted.<\/p>\n

19. \u00c7a ne casse pas des briques <\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>It doesn\u2019t break bricks.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Basically, this is the French version of \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to write home about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This is a casual way of referring to something you weren\u2019t impressed by, like that new television series that you fell asleep watching on the couch or that cheesy rom com you saw on the plane on the way to France.<\/p>\n

20. Tir\u00e9 par les cheveux <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Pulled by the hair.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>This phrase means that something is “far-fetched” or unlikely.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The equivalent English expression is, “It’s a stretch.”<\/p>\n

21. La nuit porte conseil <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> The night brings advice.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> This saying is the equivalent of the English saying \u201cSleep on it,\u201d which refers to taking one\u2019s time to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong>\u00a0Say your friend has an important decision to make and is wavering between the available options. Instead of saying YOLO\u2014or rather,\u00a0On\u00a0ne vit qu\u2019une seule fois\u00a0<\/em>(You only live once)\u2014you could give the more tempered response of, La nuit porte conseil<\/em>.<\/p>\n

22. C\u2019est la fin des haricots <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"It's<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>It\u2019s the end of the (green) beans.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Nowadays, it\u2019s synonymous with Il n\u2019y a plus rien !<\/em> (“There\u2019s nothing left!”).<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying dates back to the 18th century and is a way of expressing despair over economic troubles, much like the English phrase, “Times are tough.”<\/p>\n

23. Battre le fer pendant qu\u2019il est chaud <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Strike the iron while it\u2019s hot.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> This common saying, which is the same in English and French, means to take advantage of favorable conditions. It refers to a blacksmith forging iron, which requires that the metal be red-hot before its shape can be changed through a series of hammer strikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong> Use this saying when you\u2019ve got a good momentum going and should continue to do whatever you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n

24. Il faut qu\u2019une porte soit ouverte ou ferm\u00e9e <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> A door must be open or closed.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Pure and simple: \u201cYou can\u2019t have it both ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is used to dole out tough love to those who want to “have his\/her cake and eat it, too” (because they’re having trouble choosing between two good options).<\/p>\n

25. Voir venir quelqu\u2019un avec ses gros sabots <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"To<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To see someone coming with his\/her big clogs.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>To be able to clearly and easily decipher someone\u2019s intentions.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The subtext is that this \u201csomeone\u201d lacks subtlety and\/or tact. The English equivalent of this saying is \u201cto see something coming from a mile away.\u201d<\/p>\n

26. Il ne faut rien laisser au hasard <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> One should leave nothing to chance.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> This one simply means, \u201cPlan ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying\u00a0is usually employed as a means of giving advice. Sure, there\u2019s a time and a place for a\u00a0porte-bonheur\u00a0<\/em>(lucky charm), but it\u2019s not always to be relied upon.<\/p>\n

27. Les murs ont des oreilles <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> The walls have ears.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>One should pay attention to what they say, because there\u2019s a chance they could be overheard (and have their words used against them).<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is used to urge one\u2019s interlocutor to be discreet when discussing personal matters.<\/p>\n

28. Il n\u2019y a pas de quoi fouetter un chat <\/b><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"It\u2019s<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>It\u2019s nothing to whip a cat about.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>It\u2019s a lively way of saying,\u00a0C\u2019est pas grave !<\/em> (It\u2019s no big deal!)\u2014in other words, there\u2019s nothing to make a fuss about.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>You can use this expression to reassure people not to worry about something that might have seemed like a large issue.<\/p>\n

29. Tout est bien qui finit bien <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> All\u2019s well that ends well.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Although we may experience hardship and struggle in the things we do, as long as the final outcomes are successful, such experiences should be considered positive overall.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This is a glass-half-full kind of saying. Use it after a day in which a series of unfortunate events occurred, when you\u2019ve still managed to make it home safe and sound.<\/p>\n

30. Les bons comptes font les bons amis <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Good accounts make good friends.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>In English we say, \u201cA debt paid is a friend kept.\u201d While the expression explicitly references financial debt, it conveys more broadly the importance of keeping relationships equal.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>You can use it to gently remind\u00a0someone that friendships involve \u201cgive and take,\u201d rather than just \u201ctake.\u201d<\/p>\n

31. \u00catre sage comme une image <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"To<\/a><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To be well-behaved like a picture.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>In English, an equivalent saying is \u201cto be good as gold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This expression is usually used with children as a way of telling them to be on their best behavior.<\/p>\n

32. La jeunesse est le temps d\u2019\u00e9tudier la sagesse, la vieillesse est le temps de la pratiquer <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> Youth is the time to study wisdom, old age the time to practice it.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0This saying<\/a> was first used by Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It means that nothing should be taken for granted, because La vie est courte<\/em> (Life is short)!<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>Adults often use this saying as a way of reminding younger people (usually moody teenagers) that they won\u2019t be young forever, so they\u2019d better stop grumbling and start being appreciative of all the benefits of youth.<\/p>\n

33. Rien ne sert de courir; il faut partir \u00e0 point <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> There\u2019s no point in running; you have to set out in due time.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This one is from the first lines of\u00a0\u201cLe li\u00e8vre et la tortue\u201d<\/a><\/em> (\u201cThe Tortoise and the Hare\u201d) by Jean de la Fontaine, and it\u2019s the French version of \u201cSlow and steady wins the race.\u201d There\u2019s no point in starting something with gusto only to putter out in the end.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying extols the virtue of patience. Incidentally, this is a good one for French learners of all levels to keep in mind\u00a0during the adventure that is learning French.<\/p>\n

34. \u00catre de mauvais poil <\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Woman<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To be of bad (strand of) hair.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>To be in a bad mood.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>Use this phrase to express general discomfort and malaise.<\/p>\n

35. Quand les poules auront des dents <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>When chickens have teeth.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>This is the French equivalent of the English expression, \u201cWhen pigs can fly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>It\u2019s a sarcastic or ironic way of saying\u00a0jamais\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(never).<\/p>\n

36. Qui va \u00e0 la chasse perd sa place <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>(He) who goes hunting loses his place.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>This playful, commonly-used saying conveys the fact that you should expect your place to be taken if you move away from it.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This one doesn\u2019t have a very popular English equivalent, but the saying \u201cMove your feet, lose your seat\u201d gets the same general idea across.<\/p>\n

37. Toute peine m\u00e9rite salaire <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"All<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> All suffering merits salary.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>All\u00a0work deserves recognition or compensation, no matter what.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This encouraging saying is used most often in reference to work that may be considered by some to be insignificant or menial.<\/p>\n

38. Dire tout et son contraire <\/em><\/b><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To say all and its opposite.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>To express contradictory viewpoints.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This expression is useful for referring to that person who always says \u201cI told you so!\u201d but may have actually done the opposite.<\/p>\n

39. La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> The reasoning of the strongest is always the best.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>In \u201cLe loup et l\u2019agneau\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(\u201cThe Wolf and the Lamb\u201d), from\u00a0\u201cFables\u00a0de la Fontaine\u201d<\/em><\/a> (La Fontaine\u2019s Fables),\u00a0a wolf comes up with increasingly improbable reasons to justify eating a lamb for dinner. Before dying, the lamb says, La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure<\/em>.\u00a0<\/em>It refers to people who always make excuses for their wrongdoings.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This saying is used to express dismay at all kinds of injustice, particularly when there\u2019s a large power differential between opposing forces.\u00a0<\/p>\n

40. Ne pas faire long feu \u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"To<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To not make a long fire.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Making a long fire means something will take a long time, so choosing not to make one implies that little time will be needed.<\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>This expression can be used to talk about anything that isn’t expected to last very long.<\/p>\n

41. Un malheur ne vient jamais seul <\/i><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>A misfortune never comes alone.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>When one bad thing happens, a series of other misfortunes seem to pile up on top of it.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>In English we say, \u201cMisfortunes never come singly\u201d or \u201cWhen it rains, it pours.”<\/p>\n

42. Vouloir, c\u2019est pouvoir <\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong> To want to is to be able to.<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>This is the French equivalent of \u201cWhere there\u2019s a will, there\u2019s a way.\u201d\u00a0It means that you can do anything you put your mind to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Usage:\u00a0<\/strong>Use this saying to motivate someone who doubts his\/her capabilities.\u00a0You can also use it to encourage yourself when you\u00a0come across difficult French sentences!<\/p>\n

43. Il n\u2019y a pas de fum\u00e9e sans feu <\/i><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"There's<\/a><\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>There\u2019s no smoke without fire.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>In every rumor, there seems to be a hint of truth.<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The English version of this saying goes, \u201cWhere there\u2019s smoke, there\u2019s fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

44. C\u2019est simple comme bonjour<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>It’s simple as hello<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>It’s a piece of cake\/easy peasy<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>You can use this saying to describe something that’s easy or comes naturally to you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

45. Non, mais all\u00f4 quoi?<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>No, but hello, you know?<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Are you serious?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This famous line by French reality star Nabilla has become a cult classic among the youth of France, and is used as a remark of disbelief about something.\u00a0<\/p>\n

46. Avoir l’esprit de l’escalier<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"wood-stairs-and-white-wall\"<\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To have the wit of the staircase<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>To be unable to think of a witty comeback in time<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The French use this saying when someone comes up with a retort or a comeback after the fact, when it’s too late to use it. Don’t you hate when that happens?\u00a0<\/p>\n

47. Conna\u00eetre la musique<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>To know the music<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>To know the score<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This phrase is used when you’ve done something so\u00a0often that you know exactly how it goes. It indicates that you’re familiar with something, whether it’s a routine, a person, a feeling or an event.<\/p>\n

48. N’importe quoi<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>No matter what<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>This phrase can be used to mean “anything,” “whatever,” “nonsense,” or something a bit stronger like “bullsh*t.”<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>The French use this expression to suggest that what someone else has said in an argument or disagreement is nonsense or b.s.<\/p>\n

49. Un mauvais quart d\u2019heure<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>A bad 15 minutes<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> A brief, embarrassing experience<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying refers to an embarrassing (but relatable) experience like tripping over your feet or forgetting someone’s name.\u00a0<\/p>\n

50. Bref<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Brief\/short<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>In short or “yada yada”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This word is used when someone’s trying to cut a long story short and summarize a situation or provide information quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

51. Amour fou<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Insane love<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Uncontrollable passion<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying describes a wild and uncontrollable passion that takes over when people fall in love. It’s normally a passion that has completely taken over the relationship and threatens to turn it into something unhealthy, especially if it’s one-sided.\u00a0<\/p>\n

52. Occupe-toi de tes oignons<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"red-onions-in-wicker-basket\"<\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Occupy yourself with your onions.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Mind your own business.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>You can also tell someone “C’est pas tes oignons”<\/em> which translates to “It’s not your onions” and means “It’s none of your business.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

53. L\u2019Appel du vide<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation:<\/strong>\u00a0Call of the void<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0A sudden urge to do wild or reckless things<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying describes the sudden inclination to do reckless and dangerous activities like jumping off a mountain despite the deadly consequences. It’s been likened to the mythological song of the sirens, which caused sailors to crash into the rocks.<\/p>\n

54. Mauvaise honte<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Bad shame<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> False modesty<\/p>\n

\u00a0Usage: <\/strong>This phrase can refer to a false sense of modesty, or it can describe a quality that makes you do good things, out of a sort of shame or guilt. If used correctly, it can be commendable\u2014but don’t always take it as a compliment.<\/p>\n

55. Ventre \u00e0 terre<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"horse-and-jockey-racing\"<\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Belly to the ground<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> This saying comes from horse riding culture, referring to a horse galloping so quickly that its front and back legs are both off the ground, leaving its belly directly above the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong> You can use this phrase to say that someone is doing something at full speed or really quickly.<\/p>\n

56. P<\/em>lus \u00e7a change, plus c\u2019est la m\u00eame chose<\/i><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>The more things change, the more they stay the same.<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Things will never change.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying expresses a weary acceptance of the way things are. You’ll often hear people just saying plus \u00e7a change<\/strong><\/i> in response to something or as an under-their-breath remark about something happening around them.<\/p>\n

57. Tant bien que mal<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>As well as badly<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> As best as one could\/with difficulty\u00a0<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong> This phrase is used to describe something that was carried out either partly or moderately successfully and usually with difficulty, or as best as one could.<\/p>\n

58. Violon d\u2019Ingres<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"violin\"<\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Ingres’s violin<\/p>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> A hobby<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>C’est mon violon d’Ingres <\/em>means “It’s my hobby.” This saying refers to Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, the celebrated 18th\/19th-century painter who was also an exceptionally talented violinist. While he wasn’t creating impressive works of art, he could be found playing on his violin.<\/p>\n

59. Le d\u00e9mon du midi<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>The midday demon<\/p>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>To have a midlife crisis<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This saying is used especially for situations in which someone leaves their spouse for another (often much younger) person.<\/p>\n

60. Cherchez la femme<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Look for the woman<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>The cause of the situation\/problem must be a woman<\/p>\n

Usage: <\/strong>This is a sexist saying that comes from the 1894 Alexandre Dumas drama “Les Mohicans de Paris,”\u00a0<\/i>in which women are blamed for being at the heart of most troubles. It’s used to insinuate that there must be a woman (a mistress, an angry wife, etc.) who’s at the root of whatever problem is being discussed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

61. Revenons \u00e0 nos moutons<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"sheep-looking-at-camera\"<\/p>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>Let’s return to our sheep.<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Let’s return to the matter at hand\/get back on topic.<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong> If someone says in a French meeting that they must revenons \u00e0 nos moutons,<\/i> it’s a reminder to get back to the matter at hand. This saying comes from the 15th-century comedy “La Farce de Ma\u00eetre Pierre Pathelin.”<\/a>\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

62. On n\u2019est pas sorti de l\u2019auberge<\/em><\/h2>\n

Literal translation: <\/strong>We haven’t left the hostel<\/p>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>We\u2019re not out of the woods yet<\/p>\n

Usage:<\/strong> This saying is used when some progress has been made or an issue has been partially, but not completely, resolved.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since these expressions can be applied in so many different ways, you may find many opportunities to slip one into casual conversation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Practicing until you understand the nuances of these popular, flexible sayings is a great way to quickly impress a French native.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all about being patient! As the French say, petit \u00e0 petit, l\u2019oiseau fait son nid<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(little by little, the bird makes its nest).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

And One More Thing...<\/h2>\r\n

\r\n\tIf you like learning French at your own pace and from the comfort of your device, I have to tell you about FluentU<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU makes it easier (and way more fun) to learn French by making real content like movies and series accessible to learners. You can check out FluentU's curated video library, or bring our learning tools directly to Netflix or YouTube<\/strong> with the FluentU Chrome extension. \r\n<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\"learn-french-with-videos\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nOne of the features I find most helpful is the interactive captions<\/strong>\u2014you can tap on any word to see its meaning, an image, pronunciation, and other examples from different contexts. It\u2019s a great way to pick up French vocab without having to pause and look things up separately.\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"learn-french-with-movies\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU also helps reinforce what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> with personalized quizzes. You can swipe through extra examples and complete engaging exercises that adapt to your progress. You'll get extra practice with the words you find more challenging and even be reminded you when it\u2019s time to review!\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"practice-french-with-adaptive-quizzes\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nYou can use FluentU on your computer, tablet, or phone with our app for Apple or Android devices. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Along with French slang, French idioms and French quotes, using popular French sayings in conversation is one of the fastest ways to show off your expertise. These 62 colorful and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":772,"featured_media":252252,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"62 Common French Sayings | FluentU French Blog","description":"Learning common French sayings will help you understand French speakers and avoid the confusion caused by taking certain phrases literally. Plus, tossing some popular sayings into your conversations will impress your French friends! Check out these 62 colorful French sayings, complete with audio and usage explanations!"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[570,571],"tags":[],"coauthors":[204],"class_list":["post-117046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-french","category-french-vocabulary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/772"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117046"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117046\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":245869,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117046\/revisions\/245869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252252"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117046"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=117046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}