French language is rich in expressions that make it vibrant and picturesque. One of the charms of learning French is discovering the myriad of metaphors and similes that are frequently used in everyday conversations. These figures of speech not only enrich the language but also provide insights into French culture and thought processes. In this article, we will explore some common French metaphors and similes, providing definitions and examples to help you understand and use them effectively.
Être dans la lune
This metaphor translates to “to be in the moon,” and it means to be daydreaming or not paying attention.
Il n’a pas entendu la sonnette parce qu’il était dans la lune.
Poser un lapin
Literally meaning “to put down a rabbit,” this phrase is used to describe standing someone up or not showing up to a meeting or date.
Il m’a posé un lapin hier soir, et je suis resté deux heures à l’attendre.
Revenons à nos moutons
This translates to “let’s return to our sheep” and is used when someone wants to go back to the main topic of conversation.
C’est intéressant, mais revenons à nos moutons et discutons du projet.
Avoir le cafard
Meaning “to have the cockroach,” this metaphor describes feeling down or depressed.
Depuis qu’il a perdu son emploi, il a le cafard.
Passer une nuit blanche
This translates to “spend a white night,” and it means to have a sleepless night.
J’ai passé une nuit blanche à réfléchir à la solution du problème.
Être haut comme trois pommes
This simile means “to be as tall as three apples” and is used to describe someone who is very short, usually a child.
Regarde cette vieille photo, j’étais haut comme trois pommes!
Être une poule mouillée
Literally meaning “to be a wet hen,” this metaphor describes someone who is very cowardly.
Il n’aime pas les montagnes russes, c’est vraiment une poule mouillée!
Se vendre comme des petits pains
This means “to sell like little breads” and is used to describe something that sells very quickly and in large quantities.
Son nouveau livre se vend comme des petits pains.
Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard
This translates to “it doesn’t break three legs of a duck,” meaning something is not extraordinary or impressive.
Ce film était bien, mais ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
Être trempé comme une soupe
Meaning “to be soaked like a soup,” this simile is used when someone is extremely wet, usually from the rain.
Après la tempête, je suis rentré chez moi trempé comme une soupe.
Tomber dans les pommes
This metaphor means “to fall in the apples,” and it is used to describe fainting or passing out.
Il a fait tellement chaud pendant la cérémonie qu’elle est tombée dans les pommes.
Avoir un chat dans la gorge
Meaning “to have a cat in the throat,” this expression is used to describe having a hoarse voice or difficulty speaking because of throat issues.
Excusez-moi, j’ai un chat dans la gorge ce matin.
Être sur son 31
This means “to be on one’s 31” and is used to describe someone who is dressed very smartly or formally.
Pour l’entretien d’aujourd’hui, il était vraiment sur son 31.
Understanding and using these French metaphors and similes can greatly enhance your conversational skills and help you sound more like a native speaker. Each expression carries nuances and cultural significance that can add depth to your communication. So next time you converse in French, sprinkle some of these phrases into your dialogue and watch the magic unfold in your interactions.
