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French idioms many corrections remianng
French Expressions
2629
Language - French
Post-Graduate
08/29/2010
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Cards

Term
à 3 heures sonnantes
 Definition
at 3 o'clock on the dot
Term
à 3 heures sonnées
 Definition
after 3 o'clock
Term
À bas
 Definition
down with
Term
à bientôt
 Definition
see you soon
Term
À bon chat, bon rat.
(proverb)
 Definition
Tit for tat.
Term
à bon compte
 Definition
cheap
Term
À bon entendeur, salut.
 Definition
A word to the wise is enough.
Term
à bout de bras
 Definition
at arm's length
Term
à bout carré
 Definition
square-tipped
Term
à bout de course
 Definition
on its/one's last legs
Term
à bout de course
(tech)
 Definition
at full stroke
Term
à bout de liège
 Definition
cork-tipped
Term
à bout rond
 Definition
round-tipped
Term
à bout portant
 Definition
point-blank
Term
à bout de souffle
 Definition
breathless, out of breath; on its last legs
Term
à cause de
 Definition
because of
Term
à ce qu'il dit
 Definition
according to him
Term
à chaque coup
 Definition
every time
Term
À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible.
 Definition
Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.
Term
à côté
 Definition
next door, nearby
Term
à côté de
 Definition
next to
Term
à coup sûr
 Definition
definitely
Term
à deux pas de chez moi
 Definition
right near my house
Term
à deux temps
 Definition
in double time
Term
à fond
 Definition
thoroughly
Term
À force d'explications ça finira par entrer.
 Definition
Explain it for long enough and it will sink in
Term
à haute voix
 Definition
out loud
Term
à juste titre
 Definition
rightfully
Term
à la bonne franquette
 Definition
informally, potluck
Term
à la carte
 Definition
on the menu; side order
Term
à la fois
 Definition
at the same time
Term
à la folie
 Definition
wildly
Term
à la hauteur
 Definition
equal to the task
Term
à la longue
 Definition
in the long run
Term
à la mode
 Definition
in fashion
Term
à la page
 Definition
up to date
Term
à la perfection
 Definition
perfectly, just right
Term
à la poubelle
 Definition
get rid of it
Term
à l'appareil
 Definition
on the phone; calling
Term
à la prochaine
 Definition
until next time
Term
à la une
 Definition
on the front page
Term
à l'endroit
 Definition
right side out
Term
à l'envers
 Definition
inside out
Term
à l'étroit
 Definition
cramped for space
Term
À l'impossible nul n'est tenu.
 Definition
No one is bound to do the impossible.
Term
à l'instant
 Definition
a moment ago
Term
À l'oeuvre on reconnaît l'artisan.
 Definition
You can tell an artist by his handiwork.
Term
à main armée
 Definition
armed
Term
À mauvais ouvrier point de bons outils.
 Definition
A bad workman blames his tools.
Term
à moitié
 Definition
halfway
Term
À mon avis
 Definition
In my opinion
Term
à peine
 Definition
hardly
Term
À père avare fils prodigue.
 Definition
The miser's son is a spendthrift.
Term
à plusieurs reprises
 Definition
several times
Term
à prendre matin midi et soir
 Definition
to be taken three times a day
Term
à propos
 Definition
by the way
Term
à propos de
 Definition
on the subject of
Term
À quelque-chose malheur est bon.
 Definition
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Term
à quelque distance
 Definition
some distance from
Term
à qui le dis-tu ?
 Definition
you're telling me!
Term
à quoi bon ?
 Definition
what's the use?
Term
à ses heures (libres)
 Definition
in one's free time
Term
à six coups
 Definition
six-shot
Term
à souhait
 Definition
as you like it
Term
à suivre
 Definition
to be continued
Term
à ta santé (inf)
 Definition
cheers
Term
à temps
 Definition
in time
Term
à temps perdu
 Definition
in one's spare time
Term
à tes souhaits (inf)
 Definition
bless you (after a sneeze)
Term
à titre confidentiel
 Definition
off the record
Term
à titre de père
 Definition
(in one's role) as a father
Term
à tort
 Definition
wrongfully
Term
à tour de rôle
 Definition
in turn
Term
à tous les coups
 Definition
every time
Term
à tout à l'heure
 Definition
see you soon
Term
à tout âge
 Definition
at any age
Term
à tout bout de champ
 Definition
all the time, at every opportunity
Term
à tout casser
 Definition
stupendous, fantastic; at the most
Term
à tout coup
 Definition
every time
Term
à tout moment
 Definition
all the time
Term
à tout prix
 Definition
at all costs
Term
À tout seigneur tout honneur.
 Definition
Honor to whom honor is due.
Term
à travers
 Definition
through
Term
à vos souhaits
 Definition
bless you (after a sneeze)
Term
à votre santé
 Definition
to your health, cheers
Term
à vrai dire
 Definition
to tell you the truth
Term
accepter avec plaisir
 Definition
to be happy to accept, to accept gladly
Term
accepter de
 Definition
to accept, agree to
Term
L'accident a fait 5 victimes.
 Definition
Five people were killed in the accident.
Term
s'accorder un temps de r
 Definition
to give oneself time to think
Term
accuser le coup
 Definition
to stagger under the blow / shock
Term
acheter (une pomme) sur le march
 Definition
to buy (an apple) at the market
Term
acheter au meilleur prix
 Definition
to buy at the lowest price
Term
acheter chat en poche
 Definition
to buy a pig in a poke
Term
acheter qqch
 Definition
to pay through the nose
Term
un adverbe de temps
 Definition
adverb of time, temporal adverb
Term
agir en
 Definition
to act like / as
Term
aider
 Definition
to help to
Term
Aide-toi, le ciel t'aidera.
 Definition
Heaven helps those who help themselves.
Term
Aidez-moi
 Definition
Help!
Term
aimer à la folie
 Definition
to love wildly
Term
aller + infinitive
 Definition
to be going to do s.t. (futur proche)
Term
aller
 Definition
to go fishing
Term
aller à la pêche
 Definition
to go meet s.o.
Term
aller à pied
 Definition
to go on foot
Term
aller à qqun
 Definition
to be becoming, to suit
Term
aller au fond des choses
 Definition
to get to the bottom of things
Term
aller au-devant de qqun
 Definition
to go meet s.o.
Term
aller avec qqch
 Definition
to match s.t.
Term
aller bien
 Definition
to be fine, well
Term
aller chercher
 Definition
to get, to fetch
Term
aller chercher qqun
 Definition
to fetch / go get / pick s.o. up
Term
aller de bouche en bouche
 Definition
to be talked, rumored about
Term
aller de pair avec
 Definition
to go hand in hand with
Term
aller en journ
 Definition
to work as domestic help
Term
aller en voiture
 Definition
to ride in a car
Term
aller sans dire
 Definition
to go without saying
Term
aller vers (midi)
 Definition
to go at around (noon)
Term
aller vers (Nice)
 Definition
to go toward (Nice)
Term
Allez-y!
 Definition
Go ahead!
Term
Allons donc!
 Definition
Come on then.
Term
Allons-y!
 Definition
Let's go!
Term
les animaux sont interdits
 Definition
no pets allowed
Term
année bissextile
 Definition
leap year
Term
année civile
 Definition
calendar year
Term
année sainte
 Definition
Holy year
Term
année scolaire
 Definition
school year
Term
année-lumière
 Definition
light year
Term
les ans l'ont courbé
 Definition
he's become hunched with age
Term
appeler un chat un chat
 Definition
to call a spade a spade
Term
applaudir du bout des doigts
 Definition
to clap half-heartedly
Term
apprendre à
 Definition
to learn how to
Term
apprendre qqch de la bouche (m
 Definition
to hear s.t. from s.o.('s own lips)
Term
appuyer sur (le bouton)
 Definition
to press (the button)
Term
appuyer sur (le mur)
 Definition
to lean (on the wall)
Term
après coup
 Definition
afterwards
Term
Après la pluie le beau temps.
 Definition
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Term
L'arbre cache souvent la forêt.
 Definition
Can't see the forest for the trees.
Term
arrêter de
 Definition
to stop ___-ing
Term
arriver à
 Definition
to manage / succeed in ___-ing
Term
arriver à temps
 Definition
to come just in time
Term
arriver comme mars en carême
 Definition
to happen sure as night follows day
Term
arriver par
 Definition
to succeed through/by
Term
arriver sur (midi)
 Definition
to arrive at around (noon)
Term
arriver un beau soir
 Definition
to turn up one evening
Term
assister à (la réunion)
 Definition
to attend (the meeting)
Term
attendre quelque temps
 Definition
to wait a little while
Term
Attends, je cherche
 Definition
Hang on, I'm thinking
Term
attraper le coup
 Definition
to get the knack
Term
au bon vieux temps
 Definition
in the good old days
Term
au bout de
 Definition
at the end/bottom of; after
Term
au bout du compte
 Definition
all things considered
Term
au bout d'un moment
 Definition
after a while
Term
au coup par coup
 Definition
on an ad hoc basis
Term
au-dessous
 Definition
below
Term
au-dessus
 Definition
above
Term
au fait
 Definition
by the way
Term
Au feu!
 Definition
Fire!
Term
au matin de sa vie
 Definition
in the morning of one's life
Term
au mieux
 Definition
at best, for the best
Term
au mieux de nos intérêts
 Definition
in our best interests
Term
au mieux de sa forme
 Definition
in peak condition
Term
au petit matin
 Definition
at dawn
Term
au pis aller
 Definition
worst-case scenario, if worst comes to worst
Term
au plus
 Definition
at the most
Term
Au royaume des aveugles les borgnes sont rois.
 Definition
In the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
Term
Au secours!
 Definition
Help!
Term
au soir de sa vie
 Definition
to be in the evening of his life
Term
Au suivant!
 Definition
Next! Who's next?
Term
Au temps pour moi!
 Definition
My mistake!
Term
Au voleur!
 Definition
Stop thief!
Term
Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait.
 Definition
No sooner said than done.
Term
Autant de têtes, autant d'avis.
 Definition
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Term
autrement dit
 Definition
in other words
Term
Autres temps, autres moeurs.
 Definition
Manners change with the times; Times change.
Term
Aux grands maux les grands remèdes
 Definition
Desperate times, desperate measures; Big problems require big solutions.
Term
Aux innocents les mains pleines.
 Definition
Beginner's luck.
Term
Avec des si et des mais, on mettrait Paris dans une bouteille.
 Definition
If ifs and ands were pots and pans there'd be no work for tinkers' hands.
Term
Avec le temps,ça s'arrangera
 Definition
Things will sort themselves out in time
Term
Avec moi, ça ne prends pas.
 Definition
That won't work/wash with me.
Term
avec reconnaissance
 Definition
gratefully
Term
Avec tous mes remerciements.
 Definition
With thanks.
Term
Avez-vous du feu?
 Definition
Do you have a light?
Term
Avez-vous envie de...
 Definition
Do you want to...?
Term
avoir ___ ans
 Definition
to be ___ years old
Term
avoir 3 bouches à nourrir
 Definition
to have 3 mouths to feed
Term
avoir à
 Definition
to have to / be obliged to
Term
avoir besoin de
 Definition
to need; to have to
Term
avoir bonne mine
 Definition
to look healthy, well
Term
avoir chaud
 Definition
to be hot
Term
avoir confiance en
 Definition
to have confidence in, to trust
Term
avoir d'autres chats à fouetter
 Definition
to have other fish to fry
Term
avoir de la chance
 Definition
to be lucky
Term
avoir des yeux de chat
 Definition
to have good night vision
Term
avoir du bon temps
 Definition
to enjoy oneself, to have a good time
Term
avoir du champ
 Definition
to have room to move
Term
avoir du mal à faire qqch
 Definition
to have a hard time doing s.t.
Term
avoir du temps devant soi
 Definition
to have time to spare
Term
avoir envie de
 Definition
to want
Term
avoir faim
 Definition
to be hungry
Term
avoir froid
 Definition
to be cold
Term
avoir honte
 Definition
to be ashamed
Term
avoir la bouche amère
 Definition
to have a bitter taste in one's mouth
Term
avoir la bouche en coeur
 Definition
to simper
Term
avoir la bouche en cul-de-poule
 Definition
to purse one's lips
Term
avoir la bouche fendue jusqu'aux oreilles
 Definition
to be grinning from ear to ear
Term
avoir la bouche pâteuse
 Definition
to have a thick-feeling or coated tongue
Term
avoir la bouche pleine de ...
 Definition
to be able to talk of nothing but ...
Term
avoir la bouche sèche
 Definition
to have a dry mouth
Term
avoir la gorge serrée
 Definition
to be all choked up
Term
avoir l'air + adjective
 Definition
to look ____
Term
avoir l'air de + noun
 Definition
to look like a ____
Term
avoir la langue bien pendue
 Definition
to be a good talker
Term
avoir la main douce
 Definition
to wear kid gloves
Term
avoir la tête qui tourne
 Definition
to be dizzy, one's head is spinning
Term
avoir le (triste) devoir de
 Definition
to have the (sad) duty of, (to regret to)
Term
avoir le champ libre
 Definition
to be free to do as one pleases
Term
avoir le chic pour faire ça
 Definition
to have a knack for doing that
Term
avoir le coup
 Definition
to have the knack
Term
avoir le coup de main
 Definition
to have the touch
Term
avoir le coup d'oeil
 Definition
to have a good eye
Term
avoir le dessous
 Definition
to get the worst of, be at a disadvantage
Term
avoir le dessus
 Definition
to have the upper hand
Term
avoir le jour dans les yeux
 Definition
to have the light in one's eyes
Term
avoir le mal de mer
 Definition
to be seasick
Term
avoir le mal du pays
 Definition
to be homesick
Term
avoir le temps (de faire)
 Definition
to have time (to do)
Term
avoir les dents longues
 Definition
to have one's sights set high
Term
avoir l'idée que...
 Definition
to have the impression that...
Term
avoir l'impression que...
 Definition
to have a feeling that...
Term
avoir l'intention de
 Definition
to intend to
Term
avoir mal de têtes, à l'estomac
 Definition
to have a headache, stomachache
Term
avoir mal au coeur
 Definition
to be sick to one's stomach
Term
avoir mal aux dents, aux yeux
 Definition
to have a toothache, eye ache
Term
avoir mauvaise mine
 Definition
to look unhealthy
Term
avoir meilleur goût
 Definition
to taste better
Term
avoir par-dessus la tête de
 Definition
to be fed up with, to have had enough of
Term
avoir peur de
 Definition
to be afraid of
Term
avoir pour une bouchée de pain
 Definition
to get (s.t.) for a song
Term
avoir qqch sur le bout de la langue
 Definition
to have s.t. on the tip of one's tongue
Term
avoir quarante ans bien sonnés (inf)
 Definition
to be on the wrong side of 40
Term
avoir qqch de prévu
 Definition
to have s.t. planned (be busy)
Term
avoir raison
 Definition
to be right
Term
avoir soif
 Definition
to be thirsty
Term
avoir sommeil
 Definition
to be sleepy
Term
avoir tort
 Definition
to be wrong
Term
avoir toujours la critique à la bouche
 Definition
to always be ready with a criticism
Term
avoir toujours la tête dans les nuages
 Definition
to always have one's head in the clouds
Term
avoir toujours l'injure
 Definition
to always be ready with an insult
Term
avoir toute liberté
 Definition
to be completely free
Term
avoir un bon coup de crayon
 Definition
to be good at drawing
Term
avoir un bon fromage
 Definition
to have a cushy job
Term
avoir un chat dans la gorge
 Definition
to have a frog in one's throat
Term
avoir un compte à régler avec qqun
 Definition
to have a bone to pick with s.o.
Term
avoir un coup de barre
 Definition
to be drained/exhausted
Term
avoir un mal de tête, de dents
 Definition
to have a headache, toothache
Term
avoir un petit creux
 Definition
to be a little hungry
Term
avoir une dent contre qqun
 Definition
to have a grudge against s.o.
Term
avoir une faim de loup
 Definition
to be starving
Term
avoir une langue de vipère
 Definition
to have a forked tongue
Term
avoir une mémoire d'éléphant
 Definition
to never forget anything
Term
avoir une panne d'essence
 Definition
to run out of gas
Term
battre le fer pendant qu'il est chaud
 Definition
to strike while the iron is hot
Term
un beau coup d'oeil
 Definition
a nice view
Term
bel et bien
 Definition
altogether
Term
bien entendu
 Definition
of course
Term
le bien et le mal
 Definition
good and evil
Term
Bien faire et laisser dire.
 Definition
Do your work well and never mind the critics.
Term
Bien mal acquis ne profite jamais.
 Definition
Ill gotten ill spent.
Term
bien se tirer de
 Definition
to do/manage something well
Term
bien sûr
 Definition
of course
Term
billet de faveur
 Definition
complimentary ticket
Term
boire qqch dans (une tasse)
 Definition
to drink s.t. out of (a cup)
Term
boire un coup
 Definition
to have a drink
Term
bon appétit !
 Definition
enjoy your meal
Term
Bon chien chasse de race.
 Definition
Like father, like son; Like breeds like.
Term
bon débarras !
 Definition
good riddance!
Term
bon gré, mal gré
 Definition
whether you like it or not
Term
un bon temps(sports)
 Definition
good time/result
Term
Bonne Année !
 Definition
Happy New Year!
Term
une bonne fourchette
 Definition
a hearty eater
Term
Bonne idée !
 Definition
Good idea!
Term
Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinture dorée.
 Definition
A good name is better than riches.
Term
Bon sang ne saurait mentir.
 Definition
What's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.
Term
Les bons comptes font les bons amis.
 Definition
Don't let money squabbles ruin a friendship.
Term
le bouche-à-bouche
 Definition
kiss of life, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Term
une bouche à feu
 Definition
gun
Term
Bouche cousue ! (inf)
 Definition
It's top secret! Mum's the word!
Term
une bouche d'aération
 Definition
air vent, inlet
Term
une bouche de chaleur
 Definition
hot- air vent
Term
une bouche de métro
 Definition
subway entrance
Term
une bouche d'égout
 Definition
manhole
Term
une bouche d'incendie
 Definition
fire hydrant
Term
une bouche inutile
 Definition
unproductive person; just another mouth to feed
Term
les bouches inutiles
 Definition
the non-active, unproductive population; burdens on society
Term
bout à bout
 Definition
end to end
Term
le bout de l'an
 Definition
memorial service
Term
un bout de chou/zan
 Definition
a little kid
Term
un bout du doigt
 Definition
fingertip
Term
un bout d'essai
 Definition
screen test, test film
Term
un bout filtre
 Definition
filter tip
Term
un bout du monde
 Definition
the middle of nowhere; the ends of the earth
Term
un bout de rôle
 Definition
bit part, walk-on part
Term
un bout du sein
 Definition
nipple
Term
un bout de terrain
 Definition
a patch/plot of land
Term
bras dessus, bras dessous
 Definition
arm in arm
Term
Ça a porté un coup sévère (à leur moral)
 Definition
That dealt a sharp blow (to their morale).
Term
Ça bouge ?
 Definition
How's it going?
Term
Ça coûte les yeux de la tête.
 Definition
That costs an arm and a leg.
Term
Ça donne !
(fam)
 Definition
It's cool! Brilliant!
Term
Ça entre ?
informal
 Definition
You get it? Are you getting the hang of it?
Term
Ça fait mon affaire
 Definition
That suits me just fine, that's just what I need
Term
Ça fait monter les prix.
 Definition
It makes prices go up.
Term
Ça fait un (bon) bout (de chemin). (inf)
 Definition
That's a long way.
Term
Ça lui a fait un coup. (inf)
 Definition
It was a bit of a shock for him.
Term
Ça lui fera du bien.
 Definition
That will do him / her some good.
Term
Ça me dit quelque chose.
 Definition
That rings a bell.
Term
Ça me donne des frissons.
 Definition
That sends shivers up my spine.
Term
Ça me fait froid dans le dos
 Definition
That gives me the shivers
Term
Ça me prend la tête !
 Definition
That drives me crazy!
Term
Ça m'est égal.
 Definition
I don't care.
Term
Ça ne casse pas des briques (inf)
 Definition
That's no great shakes.
Term
Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
 Definition
It / He is nothing special, nothing to get excited about
Term
Ça ne casse rien.
 Definition
It's nothing special, nothing to get excited about
Term
Ça n'entre pas dans mes fonctions.
 Definition
That's not my job.
Term
Ça ne fait rien
 Definition
That's OK, it doesn't matter.
Term
Ça ne me dit pas grand-chose.
 Definition
I don't think much of that.
Term
Ça ne me dit rien.
 Definition
That does nothing for me; I don't feel like doing that.
Term
Ça ne se fait pas
 Definition
That isn't done, one doesn't do that
Term
Ça ne se fera pas
 Definition
That won't happen
Term
Ça ne vaut pas la peine.
 Definition
It's not worth it.
Term
Ça remonte à la nuit des temps
 Definition
That goes back to the dawn of time, That's as old as the hills
Term
Ça roule ? (fam)
 Definition
How's life? How's it going?
Term
Ça s'arrangera.
 Definition
It'll all work out.
Term
Ça se perd dans la nuit des temps
 Definition
It's lost in the mists of time
Term
Ça se tire.
 Definition
The end is in sight.
Term
Ça se voit.
 Definition
That's obvious.
Term
Ça te dit ?
 Definition
Do you feel like doing that?; Does that sound good to you?
Term
Ça va ?
 Definition
How are you?
Term
Ça va bien
 Definition
I'm doing well
Term
Ça va être génial !
 Definition
That'll be cool!
Term
Ça va être sympa !
 Definition
That'll be nice!
Term
Ça va mal
 Definition
Not well
Term
Ça va sans dire
 Definition
That goes without saying
Term
Ça va.
 Definition
Fine
Term
Ça vaut le coup d'oeil.
 Definition
It's worth seeing.
Term
Ça vaut le coup.
 Definition
It's worth it.
Term
Ça vient de ce que...
 Definition
It stems from the fact that...
Term
ça y est
 Definition
that's it, it's done
Term
La caque sent toujours le hareng.
 Definition
What's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.
Term
carte blanche
 Definition
free hand, ability to do whatever one wants
Term
casse la figure
 Definition
to fall on one's face
Term
casser du sucre sur le dos de qqun
 Definition
to talk about s.o. behind his back.
Term
casser en (morceaux, trois)
 Definition
to break in(to) (pieces, two)
Term
casser la baraque (inf)
 Definition
to bring the house down
Term
casser la baraque à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to screw everything up for s.o.
Term
casser la croûte (inf)
 Definition
to have a bite to eat
Term
casser la figure à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to smash s.o.'s face in
Term
casser la graine (inf)
 Definition
to have a bite to eat
Term
casser la gueule à qqun (fam)
 Definition
to smash s.o.'s face in
Term
casser la tête à qqun
 Definition
to deafen s.o., to bore s.o. stiff
Term
casser le morceau (fam)
 Definition
to spill the beans, come clean, give the game away
Term
casser les oreilles à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to deafen s.o.
Term
casser les pieds à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to bore s.o. stiff, get on s.o.'s nerves
Term
casser les reins à qqun
 Definition
to ruin, break s.o.
Term
casser sa pipe (inf)
 Definition
to kick the bucket, snuff it
Term
Casse-toi! (fam)
 Definition
Get the hell out of here!
Term
Ceci dit
 Definition
That said, Having said this
Term
Cela dépasse les bornes !
 Definition
That's the limit!
Term
Cela dépend de
 Definition
That depends on
Term
Cela donne chaud/soif
 Definition
It makes you (feel) hot/thirsty.
Term
Cela donne des maux de tête
 Definition
It gives you a headache.
Term
Cela fait passer le temps
 Definition
It passes the time
Term
Cela me ferait grand plaisir.
 Definition
I would be delighted.
Term
Cela n'a rien à voir avec...
 Definition
That has nothing to do with...
Term
Cela ne laisse pas d'être vrai.
 Definition
It's true nonetheless.
Term
Cela ne laisse pas de me surprendre.
 Definition
That couldn't fail to surprise me.
Term
Cela ne rime à rien.
 Definition
There's no point to that.
Term
Cela ne se demande pas!
 Definition
That's a stupid question!
Term
Cela ne se dit pas.
 Definition
That (just) isn't said.
Term
Cela ne te regarde pas.
 Definition
It's none of your business.
Term
Cela prend trop de temps
 Definition
It takes (up) too much time, It's too time-consuming
Term
Cela saute aux yeux.
 Definition
It's as plain as day.
Term
Cela se voit.
 Definition
It / That happens; I can tell.
Term
Cela te dirait de...?
 Definition
How does... sound?
Term
Cela te dit de (sortir, manger)?
 Definition
How does (going out, eating) grab you? What do you think of...
Term
Cela va de soi
 Definition
That goes without saying
Term
Cela va sans dire.
 Definition
It goes without saying.
Term
Cela va te donner des forces
 Definition
It will give you strength.
Term
Cela vous dérange si je fume ?
 Definition
Do you mind if I smoke?
Term
Ce ne sont pas toujours les meilleurs qui sont récompensés.
 Definition
The best don't always win/reap the rewards.
Term
Ce n'est ni le temps ni le lieu de
 Definition
This is neither the time nor the place for/to
Term
Ce n'est pas le bout du monde!
 Definition
It won't kill you! It's not the end of the world!
Term
Ce n'est pas à un vieux singe qu'on apprend à faire la grimace.
 Definition
There's no substitute for experience.
Term
Ce n'est pas grand-chose.
 Definition
It's no big deal.
Term
Ce n'est pas la vache qui crie le plus fort qui fait le plus de lait.
 Definition
Talkers are not doers.
Term
Ce sont les tonneaux vides qui font le plus de bruit.
 Definition
Empty vessels make the most noise.
Term
ces derniers temps
 Definition
lately, recently
Term
ces temps-ci
 Definition
these days
Term
ces temps derniers
 Definition
lately, recently
Term
cesser de
 Definition
to stop, cease
Term
c'est
 Definition
it is
Term
c'est + date
 Definition
it's (date)
Term
C'est ___à l'appareil.
 Definition
___ is calling.
Term
C'est à des années-lumières de mes préoccupations
 Definition
It's the last thing on my mind.
Term
c'est-à-dire
 Definition
that is, in other words
Term
C'est-à-dire...?
 Definition
And that means...?
Term
C'està se rouler (par terre) !
 Definition
It's hilarious! It's a riot!
Term
C'est à souhaiter
 Definition
It's to be hoped
Term
C'est à toi de donner
 Definition
it's your deal
Term
C'est au pied du mur qu'on voit le maçon.
 Definition
The tree is known by its fruit.
Term
C'est beaucoup dire.
 Definition
That's saying a lot.
Term
C'est bien ce que je pensais!
 Definition
Just what I thought!
Term
C'est bien fait pour toi!
 Definition
It serves you right!
Term
C'est bien le fils de son père.
 Definition
He's a chip off the old block.
Term
C'est bien un coup à lui.
 Definition
That's just like him (to do that).
Term
C'est bizarre
 Definition
It's odd
Term
C'est bon
 Definition
It's good
Term
c'est ça
 Definition
that's it, that's right
Term
C'est ce qui se fait de mieux.
 Definition
It's the best there is.
Term
C'est ce qu'on m'a donné à entendre
 Definition
That's wahat I was led to believe, given to understand
Term
C'est certain
 Definition
It's certain
Term
C'est clair
 Definition
It's clear
Term
C'est convenable
 Definition
It's proper/fitting
Term
C'est dans la poche.
 Definition
It's in the bag.
Term
C'est de la bouillie pour les chats.
 Definition
It's gibberish.
Term
C'est de la part de ___.
 Definition
___ is calling.
Term
C'est de la part de qui?
 Definition
Who is calling?
Term
C'est difficile
 Definition
It's hard
Term
C'est dingue,ça !
 Definition
That's wild!
Term
C'est difficile
 Definition
It's difficult
Term
C'est dommage
 Definition
It's too bad
Term
C'est dommage, mais...
 Definition
It's too bad, but...
Term
C'est donnant donnant.
 Definition
Nothing is free; He never does anything for free.
Term
C'est douteux
 Definition
It's doubtful
Term
C'est du moins ce qu'il raconte.
 Definition
At least that's what he claims.
Term
C'est du moins mon opinion.
 Definition
At least, that's my opinion.
Term
C'est du pipi de chat.(informal)
 Definition
It's dishwater (tastes terrible); It's pathetic, a waste of time.
Term
C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron.
 Definition
Practice makes perfect.
Term
C'est entré comme dans du beurre.
 Definition
It's like a knife through butter.
Term
C'est essentiel
 Definition
It's essential
Term
C'est étonnant
 Definition
It's amazing
Term
C'est étrange
 Definition
It's strange
Term
C'est évident
 Definition
It's clear/obvious
Term
C'est facile
 Definition
It's easy
Term
C'est facile comme tout
 Definition
It's as easy as pie
Term
C'est faux
 Definition
It's false
Term
C'est gentil
 Definition
It's/That's kind
Term
C'est gentil de votre part.
 Definition
That's kind of you.
Term
C'est gentil, mais...
 Definition
That's kind, but...
Term
C'est heureux
 Definition
It's fortunate
Term
C'est honteux
 Definition
It's shameful
Term
C'est important
 Definition
It's important
Term
C'est impossible
 Definition
It's impossible
Term
C'est improbable
 Definition
It's improbable
Term
C'est indispensable
 Definition
It's essential
Term
C'est injuste
 Definition
It's unfair
Term
C'est inutile
 Definition
It's useless
Term
C'est juste
 Definition
It's fair/right
Term
C'est l'artiste qui monte.
 Definition
He's an up-and-coming artist.
Term
C'est l'homme qui monte.
 Definition
He's on the way up (to fame).
Term
C'est la poule qui chante qui a fait l'oeuf.
 Definition
The guilty dog barks the loudest.
Term
C'est la vie!
 Definition
That's life!
Term
C'est le comble!
 Definition
That's the last straw!
Term
C'est le coup de barre ici.(inf)
 Definition
You pay through the nose here.
Term
C'est le meilleur des hommes.
 Definition
He's the best of men.
Term
C'est le moment ou jamais
 Definition
It's now or never
Term
C'est ma bête noire.
 Definition
It's my pet peeve.
Term
C'est mal vu.
 Definition
People don't like that.
Term
C'est mathématique.
 Definition
It's bound to happen.
Term
C'est moi qui paie.
 Definition
It's on me / My treat.
Term
C'est moi qui te le dis.
 Definition
Take my word for it.
Term
C'est naturel
 Definition
It's natural
Term
C'est nécessaire
 Definition
It's necessary
Term
C'est normal
 Definition
It's normal
Term
C'est obligatoire
 Definition
It's obligatory
Term
C'est on ne peut mieux.
 Definition
It's just perfect.
Term
C'est peu dire.
 Definition
That's an understatement.
Term
C'est peu probable
 Definition
It's not likely
Term
C'est plus facile
 Definition
Easier said than done.
Term
C'est possible
 Definition
It's possible
Term
C'est probable
 Definition
It's probable
Term
C'est qqch qui ne se voit pas tous les jours.
 Definition
There's s.t. you don't see every day.
Term
C'est rare
 Definition
It's rare
Term
C'est regrettable
 Definition
It's regrettable
Term
C'est son père en plus jeune
 Definition
He's a younger version of his father
Term
C'est sûr
 Definition
It's sure/surely/certain
Term
C'est surprenant
 Definition
It's surprising
Term
C'est temps
 Definition
It's time
Term
C'est toi le chat
 Definition
You're it!
Term
C'est toi qui le dis.
 Definition
That's what you say.
Term
C'est tombé du ciel.
 Definition
It was a godsend.
Term
C'est toujours la même routine : métro - boulot - dodo.
 Definition
It's always the same routine: commute - work - sleep.
Term
C'est toujours le même refrain.
 Definition
It's always the same old song.
Term
C'est tout vu.
 Definition
It's a foregone conclusion.
Term
C'est triste
 Definition
It's sad
Term
C'est un bien pour un mal.
 Definition
It's a blessing in disguise.
Term
C'est un coup à se dégoûter !(inf)
 Definition
It's enough to make you sick!
Term
C'est un coup à se tuer ! (inf)
 Definition
That's a good way to get killed!
Term
C'est un signe des temps
 Definition
It's a sign of the times
Term
C'est un vrai casse-pieds!
 Definition
He's a real pain in the neck!
Term
C'est une bonne poire
 Definition
He's a real sucker.
Term
C'est une cloche!
 Definition
He's an idiot!
Term
C'est une histoire montmontée de toutes pièces.
 Definition
It's a complete fabrication.
Term
C'est une question de point de vue.
 Definition
It all depends on your point of view.
Term
C'est urgent
 Definition
It's urgent
Term
C'est utile
 Definition
It's useful
Term
C'est vrai
 Definition
It's true
Term
C'était le bon temps
 Definition
Those were the days
Term
Chacun son goût.
 Definition
To each his own.
Term
Chacun voit midi à sa porte.
 Definition
To each his own.
Term
un champ clos
 Definition
combat area
Term
un champ d'action
 Definition
sphere of activity
Term
un champ d'activité
 Definition
sphere of activity
Term
un champ d'aviation
 Definition
airfield
Term
un champ d'avoine
 Definition
field of oats
Term
un champ de bataille
 Definition
battlefield
Term
un champ de blé
 Definition
field of corn, wheat
Term
un champ de courses
 Definition
racecourse
Term
un champ de foire
 Definition
fairground
Term
un champ de manoeuvre
 Definition
parade ground
Term
un champ de mines
 Definition
minefield
Term
un champ de neige
 Definition
snowfield
Term
un champ de tir
 Definition
shooting range; field of fire
Term
un champ de trèfle
 Definition
field of clover
Term
un champ de vision
 Definition
visual field
Term
un champ d'honneur
 Definition
field of honor
Term
un champ électrique
 Definition
electric field
Term
Le champ est libre.
 Definition
The coast is clear.
Term
un champ magnétique
 Definition
magnetic field
Term
un champ opératoire
 Definition
operative field
Term
un champ optique
 Definition
optical field
Term
un champ ouvert
 Definition
open field
Term
un champ visuel
 Definition
visual field
Term
les champs
 Definition
country(side)
Term
les Champs Élysées
 Definition
Elysian Fields (mythology), street in Paris
Term
changer de (train)
 Definition
to change (trains)
Term
changer de l'argent (en Euros)
 Definition
to change money (into Euros)
Term
changer en mieux
 Definition
to change for the better
Term
Charbonnier est mamaître chez lui.
 Definition
A man's home is his castle.
Term
un chat à neuf queues
 Definition
cat-o'-nine-tails
Term
un chat de gouttière
 Definition
ordinary/alley cat
Term
Chaté chaudé craint l'eau froide. (proverb)
 Definition
Once bitten, twice shy.
Term
Le chat parti, les souris dansent.
 Definition
When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Term
Un chat retombe toujours sur ses pattes.
 Definition
Cats have nine lives.
Term
un chat sauvage
 Definition
wildcat
Term
chercher à
 Definition
to attempt to
Term
chercher à comprendre
 Definition
to try to understand
Term
chercher à faire
 Definition
to attempt to do
Term
chercher dans (la boîte)
 Definition
to look in (the box)
Term
chercher des crosses à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to try to pick a fight with s.o.
Term
chercher des histoires à qqun
 Definition
to try to make trouble for s.o.
Term
chercher des poux dans la tête de qqun
 Definition
to try to make trouble for s.o.
Term
chercher la bagarre
 Definition
to be spoiling for a fight
Term
chercher la petite bête
 Definition
to split hairs
Term
chercher le danger
 Definition
to court danger
Term
chercher midi à 14 heures
 Definition
to complicate the issue
Term
chercher noise à qqun
 Definition
to pick a fight
Term
chercher partout qqun/qqch
 Definition
to look everywhere for s.o./thing
Term
chercher qqch à tâtons
 Definition
to fumble for s.t.
Term
chercher qqun des yeux
 Definition
to look for s.o.
Term
chercher qqun du regard
 Definition
to look for s.o.
Term
chercher querelle à qqun
 Definition
to pick a fight with s.o.
Term
chercher sa voie
 Definition
to search for one's path in life
Term
chercher ses mots
 Definition
to look for words
Term
chercher son salut dans la fuite
 Definition
to seek refuge in flight
Term
chercher une aiguille dans une botte/meule de foin
 Definition
to look for a needle in a haystack
Term
Chien qui aboie ne mord pas.
 Definition
A barking dog does not bite.
Term
Les chiens aboient, la caravane passe.
 Definition
To each his own.
Term
Les chiens ne font pas des chats.
 Definition
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Term
Un chien regarde bien un évêque.
 Definition
A cat may look at a king.
Term
Un chien vivant vaut mieux qu'un lion mort.
 Definition
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Term
choisir de
 Definition
to choose to
Term
ci-dessous...
 Definition
below...
Term
ci-dessus...
 Definition
above...
Term
ci-inclus...
 Definition
enclosed...
Term
ci-joint...
 Definition
attached...
Term
claquer des dents
 Definition
to be chattering one's teeth
Term
claquer des doigts
 Definition
to click/snap one's fingers
Term
claquer des talons
 Definition
to click one's heels
Term
claquer du bec (fam)
 Definition
to be famished
Term
La clé est sur la porte
 Definition
The key is in the door
Term
Un clou chasse l'autre.
 Definition
Life goes on.
Term
Combien coûte... ?
 Definition
How much does ... cost?
Term
combien de temps
 Definition
how much time
Term
Comme ci, comme ça
 Definition
So-so
Term
Comme le temps passe!
 Definition
How time flies!
Term
Comme on connaît ses saints, on les honore.
 Definition
To know a friend is to respect him.
Term
comme on dit
 Definition
so to speak, as they say
Term
Comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles
 Definition
Like a bull in a china shop
Term
commencer à
 Definition
to begin to / ___-ing
Term
commencer par
 Definition
to begin by ___-ing
Term
Commençons par un bout.
 Definition
Let's get started / make a start.
Term
Comment allez-vous?
 Definition
How are you?
Term
Comment ça va ?
 Definition
How are you?
Term
Comment dirais-je?
 Definition
How shall I put it?; What can I say?
Term
Comment se fait-il ...?
 Definition
How come ...?
Term
Comment se fait-il que (+ subjunctive)
 Definition
How is it that... / How does it happen that...
Term
Comment vas-tu?
 Definition
How are you?
Term
le complément de temps
 Definition
complement of time, temporal complement
Term
composer un numéro
 Definition
to dial a number
Term
compter pour
 Definition
to be worth
Term
compter sur
 Definition
to count on
Term
concentrer sur
 Definition
to concentrate on
Term
la concordance de temps
 Definition
sequence of tenses
Term
condamner pour (meurtre)
 Definition
to sentence for (murder)
Term
congés payés
 Definition
paid vacation
Term
connaître le dessous des cartes
 Definition
to have inside information
Term
connaître un bout de
 Definition
to know a thing or two about
Term
conseiller à qqun
 Definition
to advise s.o.
Term
conseiller de faire qqch
 Definition
to advise to do s.t.
Term
Les conseilleurs ne sont pas les payeurs.
 Definition
Givers of advice don't pay the price.
Term
consentir à
 Definition
to consent to
Term
continuer à
 Definition
to continue to / ___-ing
Term
continuer de
 Definition
to continue
Term
convenir à Jean
 Definition
to please, to be suitable for Jean
Term
convenir de
 Definition
to agree to
Term
convertir qqch en
 Definition
to convert s.t. into
Term
copier sur qqun
 Definition
to copy from s.o.
Term
Les cordonniers sont toujours les plus mal chaussés.
 Definition
The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.
Term
un coup à la porte
 Definition
knock on the door
Term
coup de chance
 Definition
piece of luck
Term
coup de crayon
 Definition
pencil stroke
Term
coup de destin
 Definition
blow dealt by fate
Term
coup de marteau
 Definition
hammer blow
Term
coup de pinceau
 Definition
brush stroke
Term
coup de plume
 Definition
pen stroke
Term
coup de pot (fam)
 Definition
stroke of luck
Term
coup de salaud (fam)
 Definition
dirty trick
Term
coup de veine (inf)
 Definition
stroke of luck
Term
coup d'oeil
 Definition
glance
Term
coup du sort
 Definition
blow dealt by fate
Term
coup dur
 Definition
hard blow
Term
coup en traître
 Definition
stab in the back
Term
coup en vache(fam)
 Definition
dirty trick
Term
couper en (deux)
 Definition
to cut in (two)
Term
Le coup est parti.
 Definition
The gun went off.
Term
coup monté
 Definition
frame-up
Term
un coup pour rien
 Definition
a waste of time
Term
coup sur coup
 Definition
one after another
Term
coups et blessures(law)
 Definition
assalt and battery
Term
Les coups pleuvaient.
 Definition
Blows rained down.
Term
Les coups tombaient dru.
 Definition
Blows fell thick and fast.
Term
courbé sous le poids des ans
 Definition
bent under the weight of age
Term
courir à perdre haleine
 Definition
to run as fast as one can
Term
courir dans (l'herbe)
 Definition
to run through (the grass)
Term
cours du soir
 Definition
night classes
Term
le coût de la vie
 Definition
cost of living
Term
coûter dans (les cent Euros)
 Definition
to cost about (100 Euros)
Term
craindre de
 Definition
to fear
Term
craindre pour (sa vie)
 Definition
to fear for (one's life)
Term
la crème de la crème
 Definition
cream of the crop
Term
creuser pour
 Definition
to dig for
Term
crier casse-cou à qqun
 Definition
to warn s.o.
Term
croire en
 Definition
to believe in
Term
croire qqun sur parole
 Definition
to take s.o.'s word
Term
d'abord
 Definition
first
Term
D'accord.
 Definition
OK.
Term
dans ce temps-là
 Definition
at that time
Term
dans l'ancien temps
 Definition
in the olden days
Term
dans le bon vieux temps
 Definition
in the good old days
Term
dans le champ
 Definition
in the shot/picture (filming)
Term
dans le temps
 Definition
in the old days, in the past, formerly
Term
dans les derniers temps de
 Definition
towards the end of
Term
dans les meilleurs temps(sports)
 Definition
among the best times
Term
dans mon jeune temps
 Definition
in my younger days
Term
dans peu de temps
 Definition
before long
Term
dans quelque temps
 Definition
before long, in a (little) while
Term
dans sa bouche...
 Definition
in his mouth, coming from him, when he says it...
Term
dans un deuxième temps
 Definition
subsequently
Term
dans un premier temps
 Definition
at first, to start with, the first phase
Term
D'après moi
 Definition
In my view
Term
d'autant plus
 Definition
All the more reason!
Term
d'autre part
 Definition
on the other hand
Term
de (la) meilleure qualité
 Definition
of higher (the highest) quality
Term
de bon coeur
 Definition
heartily
Term
de bon gré
 Definition
willingly
Term
de bon matin
 Definition
early in the morning
Term
de bonne heure
 Definition
early
Term
de ce côté
 Definition
on this side
Term
un de ces quatre matins
 Definition
one of these fine days
Term
décider (qqun) à
 Definition
to persuade (s.o.) to
Term
décider de
 Definition
to decide to
Term
de côté et de l'autre
 Definition
here and there, on both sides
Term
de dessous
 Definition
from underneath
Term
de dessus
 Definition
from on top of
Term
de face
 Definition
head on
Term
défendre (à qqun) de faire qqch
 Definition
to forbid (s.o.) to do s.t.
Term
défendre à
 Definition
to forbid
Term
défense de fumer
 Definition
no smoking
Term
défense d'entrer
 Definition
do not enter
Term
de front
 Definition
head on
Term
de grand matin
 Definition
early in the morning
Term
de la part de
 Definition
on behalf of
Term
de la part de qui?
 Definition
who is calling?
Term
de l'autre côté
 Definition
on the other side
Term
De là vient que
 Definition
The result of this is that...
Term
de mal en pis
 Definition
from bad to worse
Term
demander (à qqun) de
 Definition
to ask (s.o.) to do s.t.
Term
demander à parler à qqun
 Definition
to ask to speak to s.o.
Term
demander à qqun
 Definition
to ask s.o.
Term
demander à qqun de faire qqch
 Definition
to ask s.o. to do s.t.
Term
demander à voir qqun
 Definition
to ask to see s.o.
Term
demander aide et assistance
 Definition
to request aid
Term
demander grâce
 Definition
to ask for mercy
Term
demander la lune
 Definition
to ask for the moon
Term
demander la parole
 Definition
to ask for permission to speak
Term
demander le divorce
 Definition
to apply for divorce
Term
demander l'impossible
 Definition
to ask for the impossible
Term
demander pardon à qqun
 Definition
to apologize to s.o.
Term
demander que
 Definition
to ask that
Term
demander un faveur à qqun
 Definition
to ask a favor of s.o.
Term
demander un permission de faire qqch
 Definition
to ask for permission to do s.t.
Term
demander un service à qqun
 Definition
to ask a favor of s.o.
Term
de mon temps
 Definition
in my day
Term
de nos jours
 Definition
in our day, nowadays
Term
dépendre de
 Definition
to depend on
Term
les dépenses de bouche
 Definition
food bills
Term
déplaire à
 Definition
to displease / be displeasing to
Term
de plus en plus
 Definition
more and more
Term
de plus
 Definition
more, additional, in addition, furthermore
Term
déposer (sur un compte)
 Definition
to deposit (into an account)
Term
depuis combien de temps
 Definition
for how long, for how much time, since when
Term
depuis quelque temps
 Definition
for some time, it's been a while since
Term
depuis le temps que
 Definition
considering how long, in all the time that, it's been a long time since
Term
Depuis le temps que je te le dis
 Definition
I've told you often enough!
Term
depuis quelque temps
 Definition
for a while
Term
de rien
 Definition
you're welcome
Term
désobéir à
 Definition
to disobey
Term
Désolé, mais...
 Definition
I'm sorry, but...
Term
Dès qu'il ouvre la bouche...
 Definition
Every time he opens his mouth
Term
le dessous de caisse
 Definition
underbody (of a car)
Term
un dessous-de-plat
 Definition
hot pad (for putting under hot dishes)
Term
un dessous de robe
 Definition
slip
Term
le dessous-de-table
 Definition
under the table payment
Term
un dessous de verre
 Definition
coaster, drip mat
Term
dessus dessous
 Definition
upside down
Term
un dessus-de-lit
 Definition
bedspread
Term
un dessus de table
 Definition
table runner
Term
le dessus du panier
 Definition
the best of the bunch, the upper crust
Term
de suite
 Definition
in a row
Term
de surcroît
 Definition
in addition, also
Term
de temps à autre
 Definition
from time to time, every now and then
Term
de temps en temps
 Definition
from time to time, every now and then
Term
de tous les jours
 Definition
everyday, ordinary
Term
de toute ma vie
 Definition
in all my life
Term
de tout temps
 Definition
since the beginning of time
Term
de très bon humeur
 Definition
in a very good mood
Term
Deux patrons font chavirer la barque.
 Definition
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Term
un dîner des mieux réussis
 Definition
a highly-successful dinner
Term
dire (à qqun) de
 Definition
to tell (s.o.) to do s.t.
Term
dire à
 Definition
to say, tell
Term
dire à qqun ses quatre vérités
 Definition
to tell s.o. off
Term
dire à qqun son fait
 Definition
to tell s.o. off
Term
dire ce qu'on a sur le coeur
 Definition
to get s.t. off one's chest
Term
dire des sottises / bêtises
 Definition
to talk nonsense
Term
dire la bonne aventure
 Definition
to tell fortunes
Term
dire merci à (qqun)
 Definition
to say thank you to (s.o.)
Term
dire que
 Definition
to say, think that
Term
dire toujours amen
 Definition
to be a yes-man
Term
dire toujours des absurdités
 Definition
to always talk nonsense
Term
diriger son attention sur
 Definition
to direction one's attention to
Term
Dis donc!
 Definition
By the way! Hey! Say!
Term
Disons que...
 Definition
Let's say...
Term
donnant donnant
 Definition
fair's fair
Term
Donne au chien l'os pour qu'il ne convoite pas ta viande.
 Definition
Give some and keep the rest.
Term
donné c'est donné
 Definition
a gift is a gift
Term
donner __ ans à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. __ years, to guess that s.o. is __
Term
donner à fond
 Definition
to be on full-blast (radio, TV)
Term
donner à manger/boire à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. s.t. to eat/drink
Term
donner à plein
 Definition
to be on full-blast (radio, TV)
Term
donner à qqun à penser/croire/comprendre que
 Definition
to suggest that, to make s.o. think/believe/understand that
Term
donner à rire
 Definition
to give cause for laughter
Term
donner au nord/sud
 Definition
to face north/south
Term
donner contre
 Definition
to run into
Term
donner dans (architecture)
 Definition
to lead into
Term
donner dans (people)
 Definition
to tend toward; to enjoy, be into
Term
donner dans le panneau (inf)
 Definition
to fall right into the trap
Term
donner dans une embuscade/un piège
 Definition
to fall into an ambush/a trap
Term
donner de la tête contre qqch
 Definition
to hit one's head against s.t.
Term
donner de l'appétit à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. an appetite
Term
donner de sa personne
 Definition
to give of oneself
Term
donner de soi-même
 Definition
to give of oneself
Term
donner de soi-même pour
 Definition
to devote oneself to
Term
donner des coups dans la porte
 Definition
to bang on the door
Term
donner des signes de faiblesse
 Definition
to show signs of weakness
Term
se donner du bon temps
 Definition
to enjoy oneself, to have a good time
Term
donner du cor
 Definition
to sound the horn
Term
donner du fil à retordre à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. a lot of work or trouble
Term
donner du front contre qqch
 Definition
to hit one's head against s.t.
Term
donner faim/froid à qqun
 Definition
to make s.o. feel hungry/cold
Term
donner la chair de poule à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. goose bumps
Term
donner la charge contre qqun
 Definition
to charge at s.o.
Term
donner la communion à
 Definition
to give communion to
Term
donner la mal de mer à qqun
 Definition
to make s.o. seasick
Term
donner l'alarme/l'alerte
 Definition
to sound the alarm
Term
donner l'assaut à qqun
 Definition
to attack s.o.
Term
donner le change
 Definition
to alleviate suspicion
Term
donner le change à qqun
 Definition
to put s.o. off the scent/track
Term
donner le feu vert à
 Definition
to give the green light, the go-ahead
Term
donner le jour à
 Definition
to bring into the world
Term
donner le la (music)
 Definition
to set the tone
Term
donner le meilleur de soi-même
 Definition
to give one's best
Term
donner le ton/la note (music)
 Definition
to set the tone
Term
donner le vertige à qqun
 Definition
to make s.o. feel dizzy
Term
donner l'exemple
 Definition
to set an example
Term
donner l'heure à qqun
 Definition
to tell s.o. the time
Term
donner l'ordre à qqun de faire qqch
 Definition
to order s.o. to do s.t.
Term
donner qqch à (+ name of a business)
 Definition
to take s.t. in (to a business - mechanic, tailor, etc.) to be repaired
Term
donner qqch à faire à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. s.t. to do
Term
donner qqch à qqun par testament
 Definition
to bequeath s.t. to s.o.
Term
donner qqch contre qqch
 Definition
to trade, exchange, swap
Term
donner qqch pour qqch
 Definition
to trade, exchange, swap
Term
donner raison à qqun
 Definition
to prove s.o. right, to side with s.o.
Term
donner sa langue au chat
 Definition
to give in/up
Term
donner sa place
 Definition
to give up one's seat
Term
donner son amitié à qqun
 Definition
to offer one's friendship to s.o.
Term
donner son coeur à qqun
 Definition
to give one's heart to s.o.
Term
donner son corps à la science
 Definition
to donate one's body to science
Term
donner son sang
 Definition
to donate blood, to shed blood
Term
donner sur
 Definition
to look out over/onto; to open onto; to overlook; to run into
Term
donner tort à qqun
 Definition
to blame s.o., to disagree with s.o., to prove wrong
Term
donner tout son temps à
 Definition
to devote all one's time to
Term
donner un baiser à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. a kiss
Term
donner un coup à qqun
 Definition
to hit s.o.
Term
donner un coup de balai/chiffon
 Definition
to sweep/dust quickly
Term
donner un coup de fil à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. a call
Term
donner un coup de main à qqun (inf)
 Definition
to give s.o. a hand, help s.o. out
Term
donner un coup de pied
 Definition
to kick
Term
donner un coup de téléphone
 Definition
to make a phone call
Term
donner un coup de lime/chiffon/éponge/brosse à
 Definition
to run a file/cloth/sponge/brush over
Term
donner un coup sec (pour dégager qqch)
 Definition
to hit s.t. sharply (to loosen or release it)
Term
donner un fait pour certain
 Definition
to present a fact as a certainty
Term
donner un stylo à X
 Definition
to give X a pen
Term
donner une fessée
 Definition
to spank
Term
donner une fête
 Definition
to throw a party
Term
donner une gifle
 Definition
to slap
Term
Donnez-moi le temps de
 Definition
Give me a minute to
Term
dormir comme une souche.
 Definition
to sleep like a log
Term
D'où vient que...?
 Definition
How is it that...?
Term
douter de
 Definition
to doubt
Term
une drôle d'idée
 Definition
a strange idea
Term
du bout de
 Definition
with the ends of
Term
du bout des doigts
 Definition
with one's fingertips
Term
du bout des lèvres
 Definition
reluctantly, half-heartedly
Term
de bout en bout
 Definition
from one end to the other
Term
d'un bout à l'autre
 Definition
from one end to the other, from start to finish
Term
d'un bout à l'autre de l'année
 Definition
all year long
Term
du côté de (la banque)
 Definition
toward, in the direction of (the bank)
Term
du coup
 Definition
as a result
Term
du jour au lendemain
 Definition
overnight
Term
du matin au soir
 Definition
from morning till night
Term
du même coup
 Definition
at the same time, all the same
Term
d'un seul coup
 Definition
in one try, at one go
Term
du premier coup
 Definition
right away, right off the bat
Term
dur d'oreille
 Definition
hard of hearing
Term
du reste
 Definition
moreover
Term
du temps de (Napoléon)
 Definition
in (Napoleon)'s time
Term
du temps que tu y es(informal)
 Definition
while you're at it
Term
échanger qqch contre qqch
 Definition
to exchange s.t. for s.t. else
Term
éclater de rire
 Definition
to burst out laughing
Term
écrire en (encre, français)
 Definition
to write in (ink, French)
Term
écriture de chat
 Definition
spidery handwriting
Term
élargir le champ
 Definition
to broaden the scope
Term
Elle a perdu les eaux (pendant la grossesse)
 Definition
Her water broke (during pregnancy)
Term
empêcher de
 Definition
to prevent, keep from
Term
emprunter un livre à X
 Definition
to borrow a book from X
Term
en arrière
 Definition
backward
Term
en aucun cas (with a negative statement)
 Definition
no matter what happens
Term
en avant
 Definition
forward
Term
en avoir contre qqun
 Definition
to have it in for s.o.
Term
en avoir l'eau à la bouche
 Definition
one's mouth is watering
Term
en avoir marre
 Definition
to be sick of it
Term
en avoir plein la bouche
 Definition
to be able to talk of nothing else
Term
en avoir sa claque (inf)
 Definition
to be fed up; to be dead on one's feet
Term
en bas
 Definition
downstairs
Term
en bon état
 Definition
in good condition
Term
en bout de
 Definition
at the end/bottom of
Term
en bout de course
 Definition
on its/one's last legs; ultimately
Term
En ce qui me concerne
 Definition
As far as I'm concerned
Term
en ce temps-là
 Definition
at that time
Term
en ces temps troublés
 Definition
in these/those troubled times
Term
en champ clos
 Definition
behind closed doors
Term
encourager à
 Definition
to encourage to
Term
en danger
 Definition
in danger
Term
en dessous
 Definition
under, underhandedly, shiftily
Term
en deux temps, trois mouvements(informal)
 Definition
in no time / before you could say Jack Robinson
Term
en différé
 Definition
recorded (broadcast)
Term
en direct
 Definition
live (broadcast)
Term
en donner à qqun pour son argent
 Definition
to give s.o. his money's worth
Term
en entrant
 Definition
as you go in
Term
en être
 Definition
to take part in
Term
en face
 Definition
opposite
Term
en faire voir de dures à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. a hard time
Term
en faire voir de toutes les couleurs
 Definition
to give s.o. a hard time
Term
en fait
 Definition
in fact
Term
L'enfer est pavpavé de bonnes intentions.
 Definition
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Term
en garde
 Definition
on guard
Term
en haut
 Definition
upstairs
Term
en l'absence de
 Definition
in the absence of
Term
en l'honneur de
 Definition
in honor of
Term
en mauvais
 Definition
in bad condition
Term
en mettant les choses au mieux
 Definition
at the very best
Term
en mettre un coup
 Definition
to put one's effort into it
Term
en mettre un sacré coup (inf)
 Definition
to really go at it, work hard, try
Term
en mon nom
 Definition
in my name
Term
en moyenne
 Definition
on the average
Term
en panne
 Definition
out of service
Term
en peu de temps
 Definition
in a short time
Term
en plein (hiver, ville)
 Definition
in the middle of (winter, town)
Term
en pleine forme
 Definition
in good shape
Term
en plus
 Definition
extra
Term
en plus de (fig)
 Definition
on top of
Term
en prendre un coup (inf)
 Definition
to have a bash, a great time; to take a blow, hammering (fig)
Term
en quelque sorte
 Definition
as it were, so to speak
Term
en raconter
 Definition
to tell tales
Term
en sa faveur
 Definition
in his favor
Term
enseigner à
 Definition
to teach to
Term
en tant que (cadeau, copain)
 Definition
as/in the capacity of (a gift, boyfriend)
Term
en temps et en heure
 Definition
in due course
Term
en temps et lieu
 Definition
in due course, at the proper time (and place)
Term
en temps normal
 Definition
usually, under normal circumstances
Term
en temps opportun
 Definition
at the appropriate time
Term
en temps ordinaire
 Definition
usually, under normal circumstances
Term
en temps utile
 Definition
in due time
Term
en temps voulu
 Definition
in due time
Term
s'entendre comme chien et chat
 Definition
to fight like cat and dog
Term
entendre dire que (+ dependent clause)
 Definition
to hear that
Term
entendre parler de (+ noun)
 Definition
to hear about/of
Term
entendre raconter que (+ dependent clause)
 Definition
to hear it said that
Term
en tenir pour qqun
 Definition
to fancy/have a crush on s.o.
Term
en tournée
 Definition
on tour
Term
en tout cas
 Definition
in any case, whatever happens
Term
En tout pays, il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin.
 Definition
There will be bumps in the smoothest roads.
Term
Entre donc!
 Definition
Come on in!
Term
Entre l'arbre et l'écorce il ne faut pas mettre le doigt
 Definition
Caught between a rock and a hard place.
Term
entrer à pied
 Definition
to walk in
Term
entrer à l'université
 Definition
to go to college
Term
entrer chez qqun en passant
 Definition
to drop in on someone
Term
entrer dans
 Definition
to join, become a member of
Term
entrer dans les affaires
 Definition
to go into business
Term
entrer dans le brouillard
 Definition
to hit fog
Term
entrer dans des considérations
 Definition
to raise some considerations, points
Term
entrer dans la danse
 Definition
to get involved, join in
Term
entrer dans les détails
 Definition
to go into details
Term
entrer dans une discussion
 Definition
to take part in a discussion
Term
entrer dans l'histoire
 Definition
to go down in history
Term
entrer dans la légende
 Definition
to go down in legend
Term
entrer dans un livre
 Definition
to get into a book
Term
entrer dans la quarantaine, cinquantaine
 Definition
to turn forty, fifty
Term
entrer dans l'usage
 Definition
to come into common/current use
Term
entrer dans le vif du sujet
 Definition
to get to the heart of the matter
Term
entrer discrètement
 Definition
to slip in
Term
entrer en boitant
 Definition
to limp in
Term
entrer en contact
 Definition
to come into contact, get in touch
Term
entrer en courant
 Definition
to run in
Term
entrer en fonction
 Definition
to take up one's post, come into office
Term
entrer en guerre
 Definition
to go to war
Term
entrer en jeu
 Definition
to come into play
Term
entrer en ligne de compte
 Definition
to be taken into consideration
Term
entrer en relation(s) avec qqun
 Definition
to get in touch with someone
Term
entrer en réligion
 Definition
to become a monk or nun
Term
entrer en scène
 Definition
to come on stage, to arrive on the scene
Term
entrer en vigueur
 Definition
to come into effect
Term
entrer par
 Definition
to come in by/through
Term
entrer sans frapper
 Definition
to walk right in (without knocking)
Term
entrer sans payer
 Definition
to get in without paying
Term
entre temps, entre-temps
 Definition
meanwhile, in the meantime
Term
Entrons voir.
 Definition
Let's go in and see.
Term
en un temps où
 Definition
at a time when
Term
en vacances
 Definition
on vacation
Term
en venir aux coups
 Definition
to come to blows
Term
en venir aux mains
 Definition
to come to blows
Term
en voir des vertes et des pas mûres
 Definition
to have taken some hard knocks
Term
en voyage
 Definition
on a trip
Term
envoyer (qqch) à qqn
 Definition
to send (s.t.) to (s.o.)
Term
L'erreur est humaine
 Definition
To err is human
Term
espespèce d'imbécile !
 Definition
idiot!
Term
espespérer mieux
 Definition
to hope for better things
Term
Essaie un peu pour voir!
 Definition
Just you try it!
Term
essayer de
 Definition
to try to
Term
Est-ce à dire que...?
 Definition
Does this mean that...?
Term
est-ce (que)
 Definition
no literal translation; this expression is used to ask questions
Term
... est dans toutes les bouches.
 Definition
Everyone's talking about ...; ... is a household word.
Term
Étant donné
 Definition
given
Term
Et après ?
 Definition
Well, what next?
Term
Êtes-vous libre ?
 Definition
Are you free?
Term
Et le meilleur dans tout ça, c'est
 Definition
And the best part of all is
Term
et quelques
 Definition
and change, a little more than
Term
être à bout
 Definition
to belong to (someone)
Term
être à bout de
 Definition
to be exhausted; to be angry, out of patience
Term
être à bout de force
 Definition
to be out of
Term
être à jour
 Definition
to be beat, exhausted
Term
être au bout de ses peines
 Definition
to be up to date
Term
être au bout du rouleau(inf)
 Definition
to be out of the woods; to have no more troubles
Term
être au mieux du monde avec qqun
 Definition
to be exhausted; to be running out of money; to be near death
Term
être au-dessous de
 Definition
to be on the best of terms with s.o.
Term
être aux cent coups
 Definition
to be incapable of
Term
être bien mal
 Definition
to be frantic, to not know which way to turn
Term
être bien sonné par (inf)
 Definition
to be close to death
Term
être bien sonné par (inf)
 Definition
to be knocked for six, knocked flat
Term
être bouche bée
 Definition
to be open-mouthed, lost in wonder, astonished
Term
être censé
 Definition
to be meant/supposed to
Term
être comme chien et chat
 Definition
to fight like cat and dog
Term
être coupé
 Definition
to get cut off (on the phone)
Term
être crevé (fam)
 Definition
to be beat, exhausted
Term
être dans la bouche de tout le monde
 Definition
to be on everyone's lips; to be talked about by everyone
Term
être dans le coup (inf)
 Definition
to be in on it
Term
être dans les petits papiers du patron
 Definition
to be in the boss's good graces
Term
être dans les temps
 Definition
to be within the time limit, to be on schedule/time, to be ok for time
Term
être d'avis que
 Definition
to be of the opinion
Term
être de
 Definition
to be at/in (figuratively)
Term
être de jour (military)
 Definition
to be on day duty
Term
être de retour
 Definition
to be back
Term
être de son devoir de
 Definition
to be one's duty to
Term
être de son temps
 Definition
to be a man/woman of his/her time
Term
être de très bon humeur
 Definition
to be in a very good mood
Term
être désolé(e)
 Definition
to be sorry
Term
être du matin
 Definition
to be an early riser, a morning person
Term
être du soir
 Definition
to be a night owl
Term
être dur d'oreille
 Definition
to be hard of hearing
Term
être en colère contre
 Definition
to be angry at
Term
être en nage
 Definition
to be bathed in sweat
Term
être en train de + infinitive
 Definition
to be (in the process of) + present participle
Term
être fier comme un coq
 Definition
to be as proud as a peacock
Term
être forcé à
 Definition
to have to
Term
être haut comme trois pommes
 Definition
to be knee-high to a grasshopper
Term
être hors d'haleine
 Definition
to be out of breath
Term
être hors du coup (inf)
 Definition
to not be in on it
Term
être le jour et la nuit
 Definition
to be as different as night and day
Term
être le mieux du monde
 Definition
to be in excellent health
Term
être le mieux du monde avec qqun
 Definition
to be on the best of terms with s.o.
Term
être libre
 Definition
to be free, available
Term
être mal avec qqun
 Definition
to be on bad terms with s.o.
Term
être mal dans sa peau
 Definition
to be a bit awkward
Term
être mis au pied du mur
 Definition
to be cornered
Term
être monté contre
 Definition
to be dead set against
Term
être muet comme une carpe
 Definition
to never open one's mouth
Term
être obligé de
 Definition
to have to, be obliged to
Term
être occupé
 Definition
to be busy
Term
être perdu
 Definition
to be lost
Term
être persuadé que
 Definition
to be convinced that
Term
être pour
 Definition
to be in favor of
Term
être pris
 Definition
to be busy, otherwise engaged
Term
être pris de panique
 Definition
to be struck by panic
Term
être pris de remords
 Definition
to be struck by remorse
Term
être pris de vertige
 Definition
to be struck by vertigo
Term
être rentré sain et sauf
 Definition
to get back safe and sound
Term
être sur la bonne piste
 Definition
to be on the right track
Term
être sur le départ
 Definition
to be about to leave
Term
être sur ses gardes
 Definition
to be on guard, keep one's guard up
Term
être sur un coup (inf)
 Definition
to be up to s.t.
Term
être tous dans le même bain
 Definition
to all be in the same boat
Term
être trempé jusqu'aux os
 Definition
to be soaked to the skin
Term
être très bien (ici)
 Definition
to be very comfortable (here)
Term
être vers (Paris, 3h00)
 Definition
to be around/near (Paris, 3:00)
Term
Et si on (mange, voit un film, etc.)?
 Definition
How about (eating, seeing a movie, etc.)?
Term
L'exactitude est la politesse des rois.
 Definition
Punctuality is the politeness of kings.
Term
excusez-moi
 Definition
excuse me
Term
Excusez-moi de vous déranger
 Definition
I'm sorry to disturb you
Term
faillir + infinitive
 Definition
to practically do something (e.g., fall)
Term
faire + infinitive
 Definition
to cause s.t. to happen; to have s.t. done (causative)
Term
faire 5 heures
 Definition
to be on the road for 5 hours
Term
faire 5 kilomètres
 Definition
to go 5 km
Term
faire à sa tête
 Definition
to act impulsively, to have one's way
Term
faire acte de présence
 Definition
to put in an appearance
Term
faire attention à
 Definition
to pay attention to, watch out for
Term
faire beau
 Definition
to be nice weather
Term
faire bon accueil
 Definition
to welcome
Term
faire claquer sa langue
 Definition
to click one's tongue
Term
faire courir un bruit
 Definition
to spread a rumor
Term
faire de dures journées
 Definition
to put in a hard day's work
Term
faire de la peine à qqun
 Definition
to hurt s.o. (emotionally or morally)
Term
faire de la photographie
 Definition
to do photography as a hobby
Term
faire de l'autostop
 Definition
to hitchhike
Term
faire de son mieux
 Definition
to do one's best
Term
faire des bêtises
 Definition
to get into mischief
Term
faire des châteaux en Espagne
 Definition
to build castles in the air
Term
faire des cours
 Definition
to give class(es) / to lecture
Term
faire des économies
 Definition
to save money
Term
faire des progrès
 Definition
to make progress
Term
faire des projets
 Definition
to make plans
Term
faire du bouche-à-bouche à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Term
faire du bricologe
 Definition
to do odd jobs, putter around
Term
faire du mieux qu'on peut
 Definition
to do the best one can
Term
faire du sport
 Definition
to play sports
Term
faire du sur-place
 Definition
to mark time
Term
faire du théâtre
 Definition
to be an actor, to do some acting
Term
faire du violin, piano
 Definition
to study violin, piano
Term
faire d'une pierre deux coups
 Definition
to kill two birds with one stone
Term
faire encore des siennes
 Definition
to be up to one's old tricks again
Term
faire entrer
 Definition
to show (a guest) in
Term
faire entrer en ligne de compte
 Definition
to take into consideration
Term
faire entrer en vigueur
 Definition
to implement
Term
faire face à
 Definition
to oppose
Term
faire faute sur faute
 Definition
to make one mistake after another
Term
faire fi
 Definition
to scorn
Term
faire jour
 Definition
to be daytime
Term
faire la bête
 Definition
to act like a fool
Term
faire la connaissance de
 Definition
to meet (for the first time)
Term
faire la cuisine
 Definition
to cook
Term
faire la fine bouche
 Definition
to turn one's nose up
Term
faire la grasse matinée
 Definition
to sleep in, sleep late
Term
faire la journée continue
 Definition
to stay open all day, during lunch
Term
faire la lessive, le linge
 Definition
to do the laundry
Term
faire la moue
 Definition
to pout
Term
faire la petite bouche
 Definition
to turn one's nose up
Term
faire la queue
 Definition
to stand in line, to line up
Term
faire la sourde oreille
 Definition
to turn a deaf ear
Term
faire la tête
 Definition
to sulk
Term
faire la vaisselle
 Definition
to do the dishes
Term
faire le bien
 Definition
to do good
Term
faire le coup d'être malade
 Definition
to pretend to be sick
Term
faire le jardin
 Definition
to do the gardening
Term
faire le lit
 Definition
to make the bed
Term
faire le marché
 Definition
to do the shopping
Term
faire le ménage
 Definition
to do housework, dishes
Term
faire le mieux qu'on peut
 Definition
to do the best one can
Term
faire le pont
 Definition
to make it a long weekend
Term
faire le singe
 Definition
to act the fool
Term
faire le tour de
 Definition
to go, walk around
Term
faire l'école buissonière
 Definition
to play hooky
Term
faire l'enfant
 Definition
to act like a child
Term
faire les achats
 Definition
to go shopping
Term
faire les bagages, valises
 Definition
to pack
Term
faire les carreaux
 Definition
to do the windows
Term
faire les courses
 Definition
to run errands, go shopping
Term
faire les quatre cents coup
 Definition
to get into a lot of trouble
Term
faire l'Europe
 Definition
to travel to, visit Europe
Term
faire l'idiot
 Definition
to act the fool
Term
faire mal à qqun
 Definition
to hurt s.o.
Term
faire mal à qqun
 Definition
to do harm to s.o.
Term
faire marcher à qqun
 Definition
to pull s.o.'s leg
Term
faire mauvais
 Definition
to be bad weather
Term
faire monter des blancs en neige
 Definition
to beat egg whites into stiff peaks
Term
faire monter quelqu'un
 Definition
to tell someone (e.g., a guest) to come up
Term
faire monter ses valises
 Definition
to have one's luggage taken up
Term
faire nuit
 Definition
to be nightime
Term
faire part de qqch à qqun
 Definition
to inform s.o. about
Term
faire partie de
 Definition
to be a part of
Term
faire payer ___ à qqun pour qqch
 Definition
to charge s.o. ___ for s.t.
Term
faire peau neuve
 Definition
to turn over a new leaf
Term
faire penser à
 Definition
to make one think of, remind one of
Term
faire peur à qqun
 Definition
to frighten s.o.
Term
faire plaisir à qqun
 Definition
to please s.o.
Term
faire preuve de
 Definition
to display a quality / virtue
Term
faire qqch à contre-coeur
 Definition
to do s.t. unwillingly
Term
faire qqch à moitié
 Definition
to do s.t. halfway
Term
faire qqch en dépit du bon sens
 Definition
to do s.t. anyway
Term
faire sa toilette
 Definition
to get up and get dressed, to wash up
Term
faire salle comble
 Definition
to draw, attract a full house
Term
faire savoir qqch à qqun
 Definition
to inform s.o. of s.t.
Term
faire semblant de faire qqch
 Definition
to pretend to do s.t.
Term
faire ses adieux
 Definition
to say good-bye
Term
faire ses amitiés à qqun
 Definition
to give one's regards to s.o.
Term
faire ses devoirs
 Definition
to do one's homework
Term
faire ses études à
 Definition
to study at
Term
faire ses quatre cents coups
 Definition
to sow one's wild oats, get in trouble
Term
faire son bac
 Definition
to study for the baccalaureate
Term
faire son droit
 Definition
to study for a law degree
Term
faire son lit
 Definition
to make one's bed
Term
faire son possible
 Definition
to do one's best
Term
faire son temps
 Definition
to serve one's time (in the army/jail), to have one's day
Term
faire suivre (ses lettres)
 Definition
to forward (one's mail)
Term
se faire tirer le portrait(inf)
 Definition
to have one's picture taken
Term
faire toujours bande à part
 Definition
to always keep to oneself
Term
faire toute une histoire de qqch
 Definition
to make a federal case of s.t.
Term
faire un beau gâchis
 Definition
to make a fine mess of it
Term
faire un bout de chemin ensemble
 Definition
to be/walk/work together for a while
Term
faire un cadeau à qqun
 Definition
to give s.o. a gift
Term
faire un chèque
 Definition
to write a check
Term
faire un clin d'oeil à
 Definition
to wink at
Term
faire un cours
 Definition
to give class(es) / to lecture
Term
faire un sale coup à qqun
 Definition
to play a dirty trick on s.o.
Term
faire un tabac
 Definition
to be a hit
Term
faire un tour (en voiture)
 Definition
to take a walk, (a ride)
Term
faire un voyage
 Definition
to take a trip
Term
faire une bêtise
 Definition
to make a blunder; do s.t. stupid
Term
faire une croix dessus
 Definition
to give up on / kiss s.t. goodbye
Term
faire une drôle de tête
 Definition
to make a strange / funny face
Term
faire une fugue
 Definition
to run away from home
Term
faire une gaffe
 Definition
to blunder, make a mistake
Term
faire une malle
 Definition
to pack a trunk
Term
faire une nuit blanche
 Definition
to pull an all-nighter
Term
faire une partie de
 Definition
to play a game of
Term
faire une promenade (en voiture)
 Definition
to take a walk, (a ride)
Term
faire une question
 Definition
to ask a question
Term
faire une réclamation
 Definition
to make a complaint
Term
faire une toilette de chat
 Definition
to wash quickly, give oneself a lick and a promise
Term
faire une visite
 Definition
to pay a visit
Term
faire venir
 Definition
to send for
Term
faire venir l'eau à la bouche
 Definition
to make one's mouth water
Term
faire voir 36 chandelles à qqun
 Definition
to beat the living daylights out of s.o.
Term
Fais voir!
 Definition
Show me!
Term
Faites au mieux.
 Definition
Do what you think best.
Term
Faites comme chez vous.
 Definition
Make yourself at home.
Term
Faites pour le mieux.
 Definition
Do what you think best.
Term
Faute de grives, on mange des merles.
 Definition
Beggars can't be choosers.
Term
une faute de mieux
 Definition
for lack of anything better
Term
féliciter de
 Definition
to congratulate
Term
fermer la bouche à qqun
 Definition
to shut s.o. up
Term
fermer la porte sur vous
 Definition
to close the door behind you
Term
fier comme un coq
 Definition
proud as a peacock
Term
une fine bouche
 Definition
gourmet
Term
finir de
 Definition
to finish
Term
finir par
 Definition
to end up ___-ing / to finally do s.t.
Term
une fleur des champs
 Definition
wild flower
Term
une fois de plus
 Definition
once more
Term
... fois par an
 Definition
... times per year
Term
fouiller dans (les poches)
 Definition
to look through (the pockets)
Term
garder la bouche close
 Definition
to keep one's mouth shut
Term
garder le meilleur pour la fin
 Definition
to save the best for last
Term
garder qqch pour la bonne bouche
 Definition
to save the best for last
Term
goûter à qqch
 Definition
to taste s.t.
Term
grâce à
 Definition
thanks to
Term
gronder de
 Definition
to scold for
Term
Les gros poissons mangent les petits.
 Definition
Big fish eat little fish
Term
habiter par (ici)
 Definition
to live around (here)
Term
L'habit ne fait pas le moine.
 Definition
Clothes don't make the person.
Term
haut comme trois pommes
 Definition
knee-high to a grasshopper
Term
hésiter à
 Definition
to hesitate to
Term
Heureux au jeu, malheureux en amour.
 Definition
Lucky at cards, unlucky in love.
Term
histoire de voir
 Definition
just to see
Term
hors champ
 Definition
off-camera
Term
hors du temps
 Definition
timeless
Term
hors service
 Definition
out of service
Term
ignorer tout de
 Definition
to know nothing about
Term
Il a pris son temps
 Definition
He took his time (about it)!
Term
il est
 Definition
it is
Term
Il est 3 heures sonnantes.
 Definition
It's 3 o'clock on the dot.
Term
Il est 3 heures sonn
 Definition
It's past 3 o'clock.
Term
Il est
 Definition
It's to be hoped
Term
Il est bizarre
 Definition
It's odd
Term
Il est bon
 Definition
It's good
Term
Il est certain
 Definition
It's certain
Term
Il est clair
 Definition
It's clear/obvious
Term
Il est convenable
 Definition
It's proper/fitting
Term
Il est difficile
 Definition
It's difficult
Term
Il est dommage
 Definition
It's too bad
Term
Il est douteux
 Definition
It's doubtful
Term
Il est essentiel
 Definition
It's essential
Term
Il est étonnant
 Definition
It's amazing
Term
Il est étrange
 Definition
It's strange
Term
Il est évident
 Definition
It's clear/obvious
Term
Il est facile
 Definition
It's easy
Term
Il est faux
 Definition
It's false
Term
Il est heureux
 Definition
It's fortunate
Term
Il est honteux
 Definition
It's shameful
Term
Il est important
 Definition
It's important
Term
Il est impossible
 Definition
It's impossible
Term
Il est improbable
 Definition
It's improbable
Term
Il est indispensable
 Definition
It's essential
Term
Il est injuste
 Definition
It's unfair
Term
Il est inutile
 Definition
It's useless
Term
Il est juste
 Definition
It's right/fair
Term
Il est meilleur que moi.
 Definition
He's a better man than I.
Term
Il est naturel
 Definition
It's natural
Term
Il est nécessaire
 Definition
It's necessary
Term
Il est normal
 Definition
It's normal
Term
Il est obligatoire
 Definition
It's obligatory
Term
Il est passé beaucoup d'eau sous le pont.
 Definition
A lot of water has passed under the bridge.
Term
Il est peu probable
 Definition
It's not likely
Term
Il est possible
 Definition
It's possible
Term
Il est probable
 Definition
It's probable
Term
Il est rare
 Definition
It's rare
Term
Il est regrettable
 Definition
It's regrettable
Term
Il est sûr
 Definition
It's sure/certain
Term
Il est surprenant
 Definition
It's surprising
Term
Il est temps
 Definition
It's time
Term
Il est temps de
 Definition
It's time to
Term
Il est (grand) temps que + subjunctive
 Definition
It's (high) time that
Term
Il est triste
 Definition
It's sad
Term
Il est urgent
 Definition
It's urgent
Term
Il est utile
 Definition
It's useful
Term
Il est vrai
 Definition
It's true
Term
Il était temps !
 Definition
About time! In the nick of time!
Term
Il faut bien passer le temps
 Definition
You've got to pass the time somehow
Term
Il faut être de son temps
 Definition
You have to move with the times
Term
Il faut donner/laisser du temps au temps
 Definition
You have to give these things time
Term
Il faut
 Definition
It's necessary to
Term
Il faut casser le noyau pour avoir l'amande.
 Definition
No pain no gain.
Term
Il faut laisser faire le temps.
 Definition
Let things take/follow their (natural) course.
Term
Il faut le détruire dans l'oeuf.
 Definition
We've got to nip this in the bud.
Term
Il faut le tirer de là.
 Definition
We have to rescue him, help him out.
Term
Il faut le voir pour le croire.
 Definition
It has to be seen to be believed.
Term
Il faut que
 Definition
It is necessary that
Term
Il faut qu'une porte soit ouverte ou fermée.
 Definition
There can be no middle course.
Term
Il faut rebrousser chemin.
 Definition
We have to turn back.
Term
Il faut réfléchir avant d'agir.
 Definition
Look before you leap.
Term
Il faut savoir donner un oeuf pour avoir un boeuf.
 Definition
Give a little to get a lot.
Term
Il faut toujours qu'il ramène sa fraise.(familiar)
 Definition
He always has to put his two cents in.
Term
Il faut voir.
 Definition
We'll (have to wait and) see.
Term
Il l'a fait en dépit du bon sens.
 Definition
He did it anyway.
Term
Il me faut
 Definition
I need
Term
Il me le paiera!
 Definition
He'll pay for this!
Term
Il me reviendra.
 Definition
It'll come back to me.
Term
Il me tape sur les nerfs.
 Definition
He gets on my nerves.
Term
Il m'est impossible de donner un avis (définitif) sur
 Definition
I can't express a (definite) opinion on
Term
Il m'incombe de
 Definition
It falls to me to
Term
Il n'a pas la main douce.
 Definition
He doesn't wear kid gloves.
Term
Il n'a que ...à la bouche.
 Definition
... is all he ever talks about.
Term
Il ne casse pas des briques (inf)
 Definition
That's no great shakes.
Term
Il ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.
 Definition
He's, It's nothing special, nothing to get excited about
Term
Il ne casse rien.
 Definition
He's, It's nothing special, nothing to get excited about
Term
Il ne faut jamais courir deux lièvres à la fois.
 Definition
Don't try to do two things at once.
Term
Il ne faut jamais dire « Fontaine, je ne boirai pas de ton eau ! »
 Definition
Never say never.
Term
Il ne faut jamais jeter le manche après la cognée.
 Definition
Never say die.
Term
Il ne faut jamais mettre la charrue avant les boeufs.
 Definition
Don't put the cart before the horse.
Term
Il ne faut pas juger les gens sur la mine.
 Definition
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Term
Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.
 Definition
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
Term
Il ne faut rien laisser au hasard.
 Definition
Leave nothing to chance.
Term
Il ne m'a pas quitté des yeux.
 Definition
He never took his eyes off me.
Term
Il ne sert à rien de déshabiller Pierre pour habiller Paul.
 Definition
Robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Term
Il ne s'est jamais mieux porté.
 Definition
He's never been better.
Term
Il ne s'est pas cassé la nénette (fam)
 Definition
He didn't do much, try very hard.
Term
Il ne s'est pas cassé la tête (inf)
 Definition
He didn't overtax himself, put any effort into it..
Term
Il ne s'est pas cassé le cul (slang)
 Definition
He didn't bust his butt.
Term
Il ne s'est pas cassé le tronc (fam)
 Definition
He didn't do much, try very hard.
Term
Il n'est pas donné à tout le monde de...
 Definition
Not everyone in the world is lucky enough to...
Term
Il n'est pas mal!
 Definition
He's not bad looking!
Term
Il n'est plus temps de
 Definition
The time for ___ is over
Term
Il n'est que les os et la peau.
 Definition
He's nothing but skin and bones.
Term
Il n'est que temps de
 Definition
It's high time to
Term
Il n'est si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle.
 Definition
Every Jack has his Jill.
Term
Il nous les casse! (fam)
 Definition
He's a pain in the neck!
Term
Il n'y a pas à dire
 Definition
There's no doubt about it.
Term
Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu.
 Definition
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
Term
Il n'y a pas de quoi fouetter un chat.
 Definition
It's nothing to make a fuss about.
Term
Il n'y a pas de temps à perdre
 Definition
There's no time to lose
Term
Il n'y a que les montagnes qui ne se rencontrent jamais.
 Definition
There are none so distant that fate cannot bring together.
Term
Il n'y a rien à faire.
 Definition
It's hopeless, no use insisting
Term
Il peut faire mieux.
 Definition
He can do better.
Term
Il n'y avait pas un chat!
 Definition
There wasn't a soul!
Term
Il revient à moi de
 Definition
It falls to me to
Term
Il se fit jour dans mon esprit
 Definition
The light dawned on me
Term
Il serait (grand) temps que + subjunctive
 Definition
It's (high) time that
Term
Ils m'ont ri au nez.
 Definition
They laughed in my face.
Term
Ils ne peuvent pas se voir
 Definition
They can't stand each other.
Term
Ils ne valent pas mieux l'un que l'autre.
 Definition
They're two of a kind / One's as bad as the other.
Term
il tient que
 Definition
it depends on
Term
Il vaut mieux aller au moulin qu'au médecin.
 Definition
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Term
Il vaut mieux être marteau qu'enclume.
 Definition
It's better to be a hammer than a nail.
Term
Il vaut mieux s'adresser à Dieu qu'à ses saints.
 Definition
It's better to talk to the organ-grinder than the monkey.
Term
il y a beau temps
 Definition
for a long time
Term
il y a combien de temps?
 Definition
how long ago?
Term
Il y a du mieux.
 Definition
There's been some improvement.
Term
Il y a du monde ici
 Definition
There are a lot of people here
Term
Il y a mis le temps!
 Definition
He's taken his sweet time doing it!
Term
Il y a plus d'un âne à la foire qui s'appelle Martin.
 Definition
Don't jump to conclusions.
Term
Il y a qqch qui cloche.
 Definition
Something's not quite right.
Term
Il y a un ange qui passe.
 Definition
There's an awkward pause in the conversation.
Term
Il y a un mieux.
 Definition
There's been some improvement.
Term
Il y a un temps pour tout(proverb)
 Definition
There's a right time for everything
Term
Impossible n'est pas français.
 Definition
There is no such word as "can't."
Term
interdire à
 Definition
to forbid
Term
interroger qqun sur qqch
 Definition
to question s.o. about s.t.
Term
inviter (qqun) à
 Definition
to invite (s.o.) to
Term
J'accepte avec plaisir.
 Definition
I'm glad to accept.
Term
J'ai craqué.
 Definition
I couldn't resist.
Term
J'ai quelque chose de prévu.
 Definition
I have something planned.
Term
Les jambes m'entraient dans le corps.
 Definition
I was ready to drop.
Term
Je dois dire que
 Definition
I must say
Term
Je donne ma langue au chat.
 Definition
I give up (trying to answer).
Term
Je donnerais beaucoup pour savoir
 Definition
I'd give a lot to know
Term
Je l'ai vu naître.
 Definition
I've known him since he was born.
Term
Je me donnerais des coups!
 Definition
I could kick myself!
Term
Je m'en mords les doigts.
 Definition
I could just kick myself.
Term
Je me suis arrêté juste le temps de
 Definition
I stopped just long enough to
Term
Je me vois malheureusement obligé de refuser.
 Definition
Unfortunately, I'm obliged to decline.
Term
Je monte la garde(sign)
 Definition
Beware of dog
Term
Je m'y perds
 Definition
I'm lost, confused
Term
Je n'ai jamais vraiment réfléchi à
 Definition
I have never really thought about
Term
Je n'ai pas d'opinion bien précise à / arrêtée sur
 Definition
I don't have strong feelings on, about
Term
Je n'ai pas pu m'en empêcher.
 Definition
I couldn't help myself.
Term
Je n'ai rien à voir dans cette affaire.
 Definition
I have nothing to do with that.
Term
J'en ai vu d'autres!
 Definition
I've see worse!
Term
Je ne demande pas mieux que de faire qqch
 Definition
I ask for nothing more than to do s.t.
Term
Je ne demande qu'à vous voir.
 Definition
All I ask is to see you.
Term
Je ne dis pas non.
 Definition
I won't say no.
Term
Je ne fais qu'entrer et sortir.
 Definition
I can't stop.
Term
Je ne l'ai pas sur moi
 Definition
I don't have it on me
Term
Je ne me le suis jamais demandé.
 Definition
I've never wondered about it.
Term
Je ne me suis jamais vraiment posé la question.
 Definition
I've never asked myself that question.
Term
Je ne pense pas
 Definition
I don't think so.
Term
Je ne peux pas.
 Definition
I can't.
Term
Je ne peux pas les voir en peinture!
 Definition
I can't stand them!
Term
Je ne peux pas me libérer.
 Definition
I'm unavoidably busy.
Term
Je ne peux pas m'empêcher de penser que
 Definition
I can't help thinking that
Term
Je ne sais pas comment vous remercier.
 Definition
I don't know how to thank you.
Term
je ne sais quoi
 Definition
I don't know what; a certain something
Term
Je ne suis pas à même de dire si
 Definition
I'm not in a position to say whether
Term
Je ne suis pas libre.
 Definition
I'm not free
Term
Je ne suis pas né hier.
 Definition
I wasn't born yesterday.
Term
Je ne suis pas payé pour ça.(inf)
 Definition
That's not what I'm paid for.
Term
Je ne te le fais pas dire!
 Definition
I'm not putting words in your mouth!
Term
Je ne veux pas de mais!
 Definition
No buts about it!
Term
J'en passe et des meilleures!
 Definition
And that's not all! It gets better!
Term
Je n'y vois pas d'inconvénient.
 Definition
I have no objection, I see no problems.
Term
je pense que non
 Definition
I don't think so
Term
je pense que oui
 Definition
I think so
Term
Je suis occup
 Definition
I'm busy.
Term
Je suis pris.
 Definition
I'm otherwise engaged.
Term
Je te l'avais dit.
 Definition
I told you so.
Term
Je te le donne en cent/mille
 Definition
You'll never guess (in a million years)!
Term
Je (ne) te raconte pas (inf)
 Definition
You don't want to know, You can't imagine
Term
Je t'invite
 Definition
I invite you to...
Term
Je te vois venir
 Definition
I know what you're up to!
Term
je t'en prie
 Definition
it was my pleasure
Term
Je tiens
 Definition
I wish to express our gratitude to you.
Term
Je t'y prends
 Definition
I've got you!
Term
La jeunesse n'a qu'un temps
 Definition
Youth doesn't last
Term
les jeunes de notre temps
 Definition
young people today
Term
Je viendrai avec plaisir.
 Definition
I will be glad to come.
Term
Je voudrais t'y voir
 Definition
I'd like to see you try it!
Term
Je vous adresse mes plus vifs remerciements.
 Definition
I send you my most sincere thanks.
Term
je vous en prie
 Definition
it was my pleasure
Term
Je vous invite
 Definition
I invite you to...
Term
Je vous laisse.
 Definition
I'm leaving.
Term
Je vous laisse
 Definition
You can imagine...; I don't need to tell you...
Term
Je vous le passe.
 Definition
I'm transferring your call.
Term
Je vous remercie.
 Definition
Thank you.
Term
Je vous serais reconnaissant de (bien vouloir)
 Definition
I would be grateful to you (to be so kind as to)
Term
Je vous serais
 Definition
I would be obliged if you could (be so kind as to)
Term
jeter un coup d'oeil
 Definition
to glance at
Term
joie de vivre
 Definition
joy of living
Term
jouer
 Definition
to play (a game or a sport)
Term
jouer
 Definition
to play tag
Term
jouer au chat et
 Definition
to play cat and mouse
Term
jouer de
 Definition
to play (an instrument)
Term
jouir de
 Definition
to enjoy
Term
le jour d'action de gr
 Definition
Thanksgiving
Term
jour d'arr
 Definition
detention
Term
jour de cong
 Definition
day off
Term
jour de deuil
 Definition
day of mourning
Term
jour de f
 Definition
holiday
Term
le jour de l'An
 Definition
New Year's Day
Term
jour de repos
 Definition
day off
Term
le jour des Morts
 Definition
All-Souls' Day
Term
jour de sortie
 Definition
day off, day out
Term
le jour des Rois
 Definition
Epiphany, Twelfth Night
Term
jour de travail
 Definition
weekday
Term
le jour du Grand Pardon
 Definition
the Day of Atonement
Term
le jour du Seigneur
 Definition
Sunday, Sabbath
Term
le jour entra
 Definition
daylight flooded in
Term
jour et nuit
 Definition
day and night
Term
jour f
 Definition
public or bank holiday
Term
le jour J
 Definition
D-Day
Term
jour mobile
 Definition
discretionary or personal day
Term
journ
 Definition
day's wages
Term
journ
 Definition
days of rioting
Term
jour ouvrable
 Definition
weekday
Term
jour ouvr
 Definition
weekday
Term
... jours de suite
 Definition
... days in a row
Term
Les jours se suivent et ne se ressemblent pas.
 Definition
There's no telling what tomorrow will bring.
Term
le jour tombe
 Definition
it's getting dark
Term
jurer par
 Definition
to swear by
Term
jusqu'au bout
 Definition
(right) to the end
Term
jusqu'au bout des ongles
 Definition
through and through, right to one's fingertips
Term
J'y perds mon latin
 Definition
It's all Greek to me; I can't make heads or tails of it
Term
l
 Definition
under (something) over there
Term
l
 Definition
on top of (something) over there
Term
Laisse faire
 Definition
Never mind! Don't bother!
Term
Laisse-moi
 Definition
Leave me alone!
Term
Laisse-moi rire
 Definition
Don't make me laugh!
Term
se laisser + infinitive
 Definition
to let o.s. be + past participle
Term
laisser
 Definition
to leave s.t. to be desired
Term
le laisser-aller
 Definition
casualness, carelessness, sloppiness
Term
se laisser aller
 Definition
to let oneself go
Term
se laisser aller
 Definition
to stoop to + gerund
Term
se laisser boire (informal)
 Definition
to go down nicely, taste nice
Term
laisser dans son erreur
 Definition
to not tell someone his/her mistake
Term
laisser dire
 Definition
to let people talk
Term
se laisser dire que...
 Definition
to hear/be told that...
Term
laisser du champ
 Definition
to leave s.o. room to maneuver
Term
laisser en plan
 Definition
to leave in the lurch, to abandon
Term
laisser entrer
 Definition
to let, allow in
Term
le laisser-faire
 Definition
laissez-faire, non-interventionism
Term
se laisser faire
 Definition
to let oneself be persuaded/talked into; to get pushed around
Term
laisser la porte ouverte
 Definition
to leave the door open
Term
laisser la vie
 Definition
to spare s.o.'s life
Term
laisser le champ libre
 Definition
to leave s.o. a clear field
Term
laisser le meilleur pour la fin
 Definition
to leave the best for last
Term
se laisser surprendre par
 Definition
to get caught / be surprised by
Term
laisser pour (mort)
 Definition
to leave for (dead)
Term
laisser qqch/qqun
 Definition
to leave s.t./s.o. (somewhere)
Term
laisser qqch pour 5$
 Definition
to let something go for $5
Term
laisser qqun dans l'ignorance
 Definition
to leave s.o. in the dark, to not enlighten s.o.
Term
laisser qqun debout
 Definition
to leave/keep s.o. standing up
Term
laisser qqun faire qqch
 Definition
to let s.o. do s.t.
Term
laisser qqun mijoter dans son jus
 Definition
to let someone stew in his own juices
Term
laisser une bonne impression
 Definition
to make a good impression
Term
laisser un message
 Definition
to leave a message
Term
laisser vivre
 Definition
to live for the day, to take each day as it comes
Term
laisser voir
 Definition
to show, reveal
Term
laisser voir ses sentiments
 Definition
to let one's feelings show
Term
Laisse-toi faire
 Definition
Come on, try it, it won't hurt you!
Term
le laissez-passer
 Definition
pass
Term
lancer un coup d'oeil
 Definition
to glance at
Term
La ligne est occup
 Definition
The line is busy.
Term
lire dans (le journal)
 Definition
to read in (the paper)
Term
lire un livre de bout en bout
 Definition
to read a book cover to cover
Term
loucher sur
 Definition
to ogle
Term
Le loup retourne toujours au bois.
 Definition
One always goes back to one's roots.
Term
Madame est servie.
 Definition
Dinner is served.
Term
maigre comme un clou
 Definition
thin as a rail.
Term
maintes fois
 Definition
many times
Term
Mais je parle, je parle...
 Definition
But enough about me...
Term
La maladie,
 Definition
You can fall ill any time
Term
le mal du si
 Definition
world-weariness
Term
Un malheur ne vient jamais seul.
 Definition
It never rains but it pours.
Term
mal se tirer de
 Definition
to do/manage something poorly
Term
mal tomber
 Definition
to occur at the wrong time; to be unlucky
Term
manger dans la main
 Definition
to eat out of one's hand
Term
manger dans l'assiette
 Definition
to eat off of a plate
Term
manger du bout des dents
 Definition
to nibble
Term
manquer
 Definition
to miss s.o.
Term
manquer de
 Definition
to neglect, fail to, lack
Term
manquer le coup
 Definition
to fail completely, botch it
Term
marcher
 Definition
to stride along
Term
marcher au pas
 Definition
to march
Term
marcher d'un bon pas
 Definition
to walk at a brisk pace
Term
marcher d'un pas lent
 Definition
to walk slowly
Term
marcher sur les pas de qqun
 Definition
to follow in someone's footsteps
Term
marquer le coup (inf)
 Definition
to mark the occasion; to show a reaction
Term
marquer le pas
 Definition
to mark time
Term
marquer un temps d'arr
 Definition
to pause
Term
une mauvaise langue
 Definition
a gossip
Term
un mauvais coup
 Definition
dirty trick, mean trick, nasty blow
Term
le meilleur des deux
 Definition
the better of the two
Term
meilleur march
 Definition
cheaper
Term
meilleurs voeux
 Definition
best wishes
Term
m
 Definition
to mingle with / to join in
Term
Merci beaucoup
 Definition
Thank you very much
Term
Merci bien
 Definition
Thanks a lot (sincere and sarcastic)
Term
merci d'avance
 Definition
thanks in advance
Term
merci de + abstract noun
 Definition
thank you for (e.g., your kindness)
Term
merci de + past infinitive
 Definition
thank you for + gerund
Term
Merci mille fois
 Definition
Thanks a million
Term
merci pour + concrete noun
 Definition
thank you for (e.g., the book)
Term
m
 Definition
to deserve to
Term
m
 Definition
to measure in (meters)
Term
Mettons les choses au point.
 Definition
Let's get things straight/clear.
Term
Mettons que...
 Definition
Let's say/Suppose that...
Term
mettre 5 heures
 Definition
to take 5 hours to do s.t.
Term
mettre
 Definition
to update
Term
mettre au jour
 Definition
to bring into the light
Term
mettre beaucoup de soin
 Definition
to take great care in doing s.t.
Term
mettre de l'ardeur
 Definition
to do s.t. eagerly
Term
mettre de l'argent dans
 Definition
to put money into
Term
mettre de l'argent pour
 Definition
to pay for
Term
mettre de l'argent sur
 Definition
to spend money on
Term
mettre du temps (
 Definition
to take time (to do something)
Term
mettre en relief
 Definition
to bring out, enhance, accentuate
Term
mettre la radio
 Definition
to turn the radio on
Term
mettre la table
 Definition
to set the table
Term
mettre le r
 Definition
to set the alarm
Term
mettre le verrou
 Definition
to bolt the door
Term
mettre l'eau
 Definition
to make s.o.'s mouth water
Term
mettre les bouts (fam)
 Definition
to skedaddle, scarper
Term
mettre les informations
 Definition
to turn the news on
Term
mettre les pieds dans le plat
 Definition
to make a blunder; do s.t. stupid
Term
mettre les voiles (fam)
 Definition
Get lost!
Term
mettre qqch
 Definition
to lay s.t. down flat
Term
mettre qqch debout
 Definition
to stand s.t. up
Term
mettre qqch droit
 Definition
to set s.t. straight
Term
mettre qqnn (parmi les grands)
 Definition
to rank or rate s.o. (among the greats)
Term
mettre qqun au pas
 Definition
to bring s.o. in line
Term
mettre qqun au pied du mur
 Definition
to corner s.o.
Term
mettre qqun dans l'obligation/la n
 Definition
to compel s.o. to do s.t.
Term
mettre son espoir dans
 Definition
to pin one's hopes on
Term
mettre tous ses oeufs dans le m
 Definition
to put all of one's eggs in one basket
Term
mettre un mot dans la bouche de qqun
 Definition
to put a word into s.o.'s mouth
Term
Le mieux est l'ennemi de bien.
 Definition
Let well enough alone.
Term
le mieux-
 Definition
greater welfare, improved standard of living
Term
mieux que jamais
 Definition
better than ever
Term
le mieux serait de
 Definition
the best thing/plan would be to
Term
Mieux vaut plier que rompre.
 Definition
Adapt and survive.
Term
Mieux vaut pr
 Definition
Prevention is better than cure.
Term
Mieux vaut tard que jamais
 Definition
Better late than never
Term
le mieux-vivre
 Definition
improved standard of living
Term
Mille fois merci
 Definition
Thanks a million! Bless you!
Term
la mise
 Definition
implementation, enforcement
Term
mise
 Definition
act of updating, updated
Term
mise
 Definition
kill
Term
mise
 Definition
dismissal (employment)
Term
mise
 Definition
reserve/upset price
Term
mise au monde
 Definition
birth
Term
mise au point
 Definition
tuning, focusing, clarification
Term
mise de fonds
 Definition
capital outlay
Term
mise en accusation
 Definition
indictment
Term
mise en bi
 Definition
placement into a coffin
Term
mise en bo
 Definition
canning
Term
mise en bo
 Definition
ridiculing, leg-pulling
Term
mise en bouteille
 Definition
bottling
Term
mise en cause
 Definition
calling into question, pointing a finger at
Term
mise en condition
 Definition
conditioning
Term
mise en demeure
 Definition
formal demand or notice
Term
mise en examen
 Definition
placing under investigation
Term
mise en forme
 Definition
imposition (typography); warming/limbering up (sports)
Term
mise en gage
 Definition
pawning
Term
mise en jeu
 Definition
involvement, bringing into play
Term
mise en marche
 Definition
starting up (a machine or apparatus)
Term
mise en ondes
 Definition
production (radio)
Term
mise en page
 Definition
make-up (typography)
Term
mise en plis
 Definition
hair setting
Term
mise en pratique
 Definition
putting into practice
Term
mise en relief
 Definition
enhancement, accentuation
Term
mise en sacs
 Definition
packing
Term
mise en sc
 Definition
production (theater or film)
Term
mise en service
 Definition
putting or starting into service
Term
La mise en service de l'autobus sera...
 Definition
The bus will be put into service on...
Term
mise en valeur
 Definition
development, improvement
Term
mise en vigueur
 Definition
enforcement
Term
mise sur pied
 Definition
setting up
Term
Moi, je...
 Definition
As for me, I...
Term
moi qui vous parle
 Definition
I myself/personally
Term
mon petit chat
 Definition
sweetie, poppet
Term
Mon petit doigt me l'a dit.
 Definition
A little bird told me.
Term
Monsieur Chose
 Definition
Mr. What's-his-name
Term
Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle je-sais-tout (informal)
 Definition
smart-alec, know-it-all
Term
se monter
 Definition
to come to, amount to
Term
monter
 Definition
to go up to visit / work in (a city)
Term
monter
 Definition
to cycle up; to ride a bike
Term
monter
 Definition
to go on board a ship
Term
monter
 Definition
to get on a horse; to ride a horse
Term
monter
 Definition
to come up to
Term
monter
 Definition
to go up to one's room
Term
monter
 Definition
to walk up
Term
monter aux arbres
 Definition
to climb trees
Term
monter dans l'estime de qqun
 Definition
to rise in someone's estimation
Term
monter dans un avion
 Definition
to board a plane
Term
monter dans un train
 Definition
to board a train
Term
monter des mailles
 Definition
to cast on stitches
Term
monter en courant
 Definition
to run up
Term
monter en fl
 Definition
to soar (literally and figuratively)
Term
monter en grade
 Definition
to be promoted
Term
monter en lacets
 Definition
to wind upwards
Term
monter en parall
 Definition
to connect in parallel
Term
monter en pente douce
 Definition
to rise gently
Term
monter en s
 Definition
to connect in series
Term
monter en titubant
 Definition
to stagger up
Term
monter en train
 Definition
to go up by train
Term
monter en voiture
 Definition
to drive up; to get into a car
Term
monter le bourrichon
 Definition
to put ideas in someone's head
Term
se monter le bourrichon (informal)
 Definition
to get ideas
Term
monter le coup
 Definition
to take someone for a ride
Term
monter l'escalier
 Definition
to go up the stairs
Term
monter la gamme
 Definition
to go up the scale (music)
Term
monter la garde
 Definition
to go/be on guard
Term
monter le son
 Definition
to turn the volume up
Term
monter la t
 Definition
to get someone worked up
Term
se monter la t
 Definition
to get all worked up (over nothing)
Term
monter par l'ascenseur
 Definition
to take the elevator up
Term
monter pr
 Definition
to go up and tell someone
Term
monter qqch en
 Definition
to blow something all out of proportion
Term
monter qqun contre qqun
 Definition
to set someone against someone
Term
monter voir quelqu'un
 Definition
to go up and see someone
Term
monter sur
 Definition
to climb up on
Term
monter sur le tr
 Definition
to ascend to the throne
Term
monter sur un arbre
 Definition
to climb a tree
Term
monter sur une bicyclette
 Definition
to get on a bicycle
Term
monter sur une colline
 Definition
to climb a hill
Term
monter sur une
 Definition
to climb a ladder
Term
monter un cheval
 Definition
to ride a horse
Term
monter une c
 Definition
to go up a hill
Term
monter un coup
 Definition
to plan a job
Term
monter une histoire pour d
 Definition
to invent a scandal to ruin someone's name
Term
La montre avance de cinq minutes.
 Definition
The watch is five minutes fast.
Term
montrer le bout de son nez
 Definition
to show one's face, peep around (the corner, door)
Term
un moteur
 Definition
4-stroke engine
Term
Motus et bouche cousue
 Definition
Mum's the word! Don't tell anyone!
Term
mourir au champ d'honneur
 Definition
to be killed in action
Term
mourir d'envie de
 Definition
to be dying to
Term
La moutarde me monte au nez.
 Definition
I'm losing my temper.
Term
Les murs ont des oreilles.
 Definition
Walls have ears.
Term
Ne le prends pas sur ce ton
 Definition
Don't take it like that
Term
Ne mets pas tous tes oeufs dans le m
 Definition
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Term
n'en pas se laisser
 Definition
to not be taken in / fooled easily
Term
ne pas arriver
 Definition
to not be able to
Term
ne pas
 Definition
to be out of one's element
Term
ne pas
 Definition
to not feel up to it
Term
ne pas
 Definition
to not feel well
Term
ne pas
 Definition
to not be free, available
Term
ne pas laisser de...
 Definition
to not fail to...; to not refrain from...
Term
ne pas laisser qqun faire sans r
 Definition
to not let s.o. get away with
Term
ne pas r
 Definition
to let sleeping dogs lie
Term
ne pas ouvrir la bouche
 Definition
to not say a word
Term
ne pas pouvoir faire autrement que de
 Definition
to have no choice but to
Term
ne pas savoir ce que c'est la honte
 Definition
to have no shame
Term
ne pas savoir o
 Definition
to not know which way to turn
Term
ne pas savoir o
 Definition
to not know what to do with oneself
Term
ne pas se le faire dire deux fois
 Definition
not to have to be told twice
Term
Ne quittez pas.
 Definition
Please hold.
Term
Ne r
 Definition
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Term
ne rien avoir
 Definition
to have nothing to lose
Term
ne rien donner
 Definition
to have no effect
Term
ne rien laisser
 Definition
to be all that one could hope for
Term
ne rien laisser voir
 Definition
to show no sign/inkling of
Term
n'est-ce pas
 Definition
right? isn't that so?
Term
... n'est pas donn
 Definition
Not everyone is gifted with...
Term
Ne tourne pas autour du pot!
 Definition
Don't beat around the bush!
Term
ne voir aucun mal
 Definition
to not see any harm in s.t.
Term
N
 Definition
Beggars can't be choosers.
Term
N'importe comment
 Definition
Any way
Term
N'importe lequel
 Definition
Any (one)
Term
N'importe o
 Definition
Anywhere
Term
N'importe quand
 Definition
Anytime
Term
N'importe quel
 Definition
Any
Term
N'importe qui
 Definition
Anyone
Term
N'importe quoi
 Definition
Anything
Term
le niveau de vie
 Definition
standard of living
Term
No
 Definition
A warm Christmas means a cold Easter.
Term
non sans mal
 Definition
not without difficulty
Term
Nous serions tr
 Definition
We would be very happy to welcome you (to our home).
Term
nous sommes + date
 Definition
it's (date)
Term
Nous vous sommes extr
 Definition
We are very grateful to you.
Term
le Nouvel An
 Definition
New Year's Day
Term
La nouvelle l'a un peu sonn
 Definition
He was rather taken aback by the news.
Term
nuire
 Definition
to harm
Term
La nuit, tous les chats sont gris.
 Definition
All cats are grey in the dark.
Term
Nul n'est proph
 Definition
No man is a prophet in his own country.
Term
n'y voir goutte
 Definition
to not see a thing
Term
n'y voir que du feu
 Definition
to be completely fooled
Term
ob
 Definition
to obey
Term
obliger qqun
 Definition
to require s.o. to
Term
obtenir qqch par
 Definition
to obtain s.t. by
Term
L'occasion fait le larron.
 Definition
Opportunity makes a thief.
Term
offrir de
 Definition
to offer to
Term
On a bien roul
 Definition
We made good time
Term
On aura tout vu
 Definition
That would be too much!
Term
On commence
 Definition
Things are beginning to come clear.
Term
on dirait que...
 Definition
you'd think that
Term
On dit que
 Definition
One says, They say
Term
On donne qqun/qqch pour...
 Definition
He/It is said to be...
Term
on est + date
 Definition
it's (date)
Term
On est dans un beau p
 Definition
We're in a fine mess
Term
On lui a laiss
 Definition
We left his ... alone; We didn't argue with him about his...
Term
On lui donnerait le bon Dieu sans confession.
 Definition
He looks as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, He looks totally innocent.
Term
On m'a pris pour ...
 Definition
They thought I was ... / I was taken for ...
Term
On n'a rien sans mal
 Definition
You can't get s.t. for nothing
Term
On ne fait pas d'omelette sans casser des oeufs.
 Definition
You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.
Term
On ne lui donne pas d'
 Definition
You can't tell how old he is.
Term
On ne marie pas les poules avec les renards.
 Definition
Different strokes for different folks.
Term
On n'en voit pas le bout.
 Definition
There doesn't seem to be any end to it.
Term
On n'en voit pas la fin.
 Definition
The end is nowhere in sight.
Term
On ne peut pas avoir le beurre et l'argent du beurre.
 Definition
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Term
On ne peut pas
 Definition
You can't be in two places at once.
Term
On ne peut rien en tirer.
 Definition
You can't get anything out of him, You can't do anything with him.
Term
On ne pr
 Definition
Only the rich get richer.
Term
On ne sait jamais par quel bout le prendre
 Definition
You never know how to take him; how to handle/approach it.
Term
On ne t'a pas sonn
 Definition
Who asked you! Nobody asked you!
Term
On raconte que
 Definition
They/People say, The story goes that
Term
On se dirait en France.
 Definition
You'd think you were in France.
Term
On se tire.
 Definition
Let's get out of here
Term
On s'en tire.
 Definition
We manage.
Term
On s'en tire tout juste.
 Definition
We just get by, manage.
Term
On verra bien
 Definition
We'll see about that!
Term
On y va
 Definition
Shall we go?
Term
un ordinateur exploit
 Definition
real-time computer
Term
ordonner
 Definition
to order
Term
oublier de
 Definition
to forget to
Term
Oublions le pass
 Definition
Let's let bygones be bygones.
Term
Oui, je suis libre.
 Definition
Yes, I'm free.
Term
ou pour mieux dire
 Definition
to put it another way, in other words
Term
O
 Definition
Where is...?
Term
l'outrage des ans
 Definition
the ravages of time
Term
O
 Definition
What are you getting/driving at?
Term
ouvrir la bouche
 Definition
to speak
Term
parcourir une rue de bout en bout
 Definition
to go from one end of a street to the other
Term
par-dessous
 Definition
under (with a sense of movement)
Term
par-dessous la jambe (inf)
 Definition
carelessly, offhandedly
Term
par-dessus
 Definition
over (with a sense of movement
Term
par-dessus bord
 Definition
overboard
Term
par-dessus la jambe (inf)
 Definition
carelessly, offhandedly
Term
par-dessus le march
 Definition
into the bargain, on top of that
Term
par-dessus tout
 Definition
especially, mainly
Term
Par exemple
 Definition
For example
Term
Paris ne s'est pas fait en un jour.
 Definition
Rome wasn't built in a day.
Term
parler
 Definition
to talk to
Term
parler la bouche pleine
 Definition
to talk with one's mouth full
Term
parler par la bouche de qqun d'autre
 Definition
to use s.o. else as one's mouthpiece
Term
parler pour
 Definition
to speak on behalf of
Term
par les temps qui courent
 Definition
these days, nowadays
Term
par temps clair
 Definition
on a clear day, in clear weather
Term
par sa bouche
 Definition
by one's words, by what one says
Term
un parti pris
 Definition
prejudice, preconceived notion
Term
partir dans (10 minutes)
 Definition
to leave in (10 minutes)
Term
partir dans (les montagnes)
 Definition
to leave for (the mountains)
Term
partir de
 Definition
to leave
Term
partir de meilleure heure
 Definition
to leave earlier
Term
partir pour
 Definition
to leave for/be off to
Term
partir sans demander son reste
 Definition
to leave without a murmur
Term
parvenir
 Definition
to succeed in ___-ing
Term
Pas de nouvelles, bonnes nouvelles.
 Definition
No news is good news.
Term
pas de quoi
 Definition
don't mention it
Term
Pas mal
 Definition
Not bad
Term
passer
 Definition
to go through/across fields/country
Term
passer de bouche
 Definition
to be spread by word of mouth
Term
passer de bouche en bouche
 Definition
to be talked, rumored about
Term
perdre du temps (
 Definition
to waste time/waste one's time (doing something)
Term
passer le meilleur de sa vie
 Definition
to spend the best days/years of one's life doing
Term
passer le plus clair de son temps
 Definition
to spend most of one's time daydreaming
Term
passer prendre qqun
 Definition
to go pick s.o. up
Term
perdre son temps (
 Definition
to waste time/waste one's time (doing something)
Term
passer tout son temps (
 Definition
to spend all of one's time (doing)
Term
payer
 Definition
to pay for piecework / by the piece
Term
payer
 Definition
to pay by the hour
Term
payer comptant
 Definition
to pay cash
Term
payer d'audace
 Definition
to take a risk
Term
payer de mine
 Definition
to look good, nice
Term
payer de qqch
 Definition
to sacrifice s.t., give s.t. up
Term
payer de sa poche
 Definition
to pay out of one's own pocket
Term
payer en esp
 Definition
to pay cash
Term
payer en nature
 Definition
to pay in kind
Term
payer la casse
 Definition
to pay for the damage; to pick up the pieces
Term
payer le d
 Definition
to pay traveling expenses
Term
payer le travail
 Definition
to pay for the work
Term
payer les pots cass
 Definition
to pay for the damage; to pick up the pieces
Term
payer par ch
 Definition
to pay by check
Term
payer pour le savoir
 Definition
to learn s.t. the hard way
Term
payer pour qqun
 Definition
to pay for s.o.; to pick up the pieces
Term
payer qqch
 Definition
to buy s.t. for s.o.
Term
payer qqun de paroles
 Definition
to fob s.o. off with empty words
Term
payer qqun de promesses
 Definition
to fob s.o. off with empty promises
Term
payer ses dettes
 Definition
to pay one's debts
Term
payer ses imp
 Definition
to pay one's taxes
Term
pendant ce temps(-l
 Definition
meanwhile, in the meantime
Term
peu de temps avant/apr
 Definition
shortly before/after
Term
penser
 Definition
to think of / about
Term
penser de
 Definition
to think about (have an opinion on)
Term
penser tout haut
 Definition
to think out loud
Term
perdre confiance
 Definition
to lose one's confidence
Term
perdre connaissance
 Definition
to pass out, lose consciousness
Term
perdre courage
 Definition
to lose heart, courage
Term
perdre du poids
 Definition
to lose weight
Term
perdre du temps
 Definition
to waste time
Term
perdre du terrain
 Definition
to lose ground
Term
perdre espoir
 Definition
to lose hope
Term
perdre la boule (inf)
 Definition
to go crazy
Term
perdre la parole
 Definition
to lose the power of speech
Term
perdre la raison
 Definition
to go out of one's mind
Term
perdre la t
 Definition
to go crazy
Term
perdre la vie
 Definition
to lose one's life
Term
perdre la vue
 Definition
to lose one's vision
Term
perdre le fil (inf)
 Definition
to lose the thread (of a conversation)
Term
perdre le go
 Definition
to lose interest in, to not feel like (working, eating)
Term
perdre le nord (inf)
 Definition
to get confused
Term
perdre l'
 Definition
to lose one's balance
Term
perdre le souffle
 Definition
to be out of breath
Term
perdre les p
 Definition
to get mixed up
Term
perdre l'esprit
 Definition
to go out of one's mind
Term
perdre l'occasion de
 Definition
to miss the opportunity to
Term
perdre patience
 Definition
to lose patience
Term
perdre pied
 Definition
to be out of one's depth (literally and figuratively)
Term
perdre qqun de vue
 Definition
to lose sight of s.o.
Term
perdre sa page (en lisant)
 Definition
to lose one's place (in a book, etc.)
Term
perdre ses moyens
 Definition
to crack up, go insane
Term
perdre son pantalon
 Definition
to have one's pants/trousers falling down
Term
perdre son temps
 Definition
to waste time
Term
perdre toute notion d'heure
 Definition
to lose all sense of time
Term
perdre un ami de vue
 Definition
to lose touch with a friend
Term
permettre
 Definition
to permit (s.o.)
Term
permettre de
 Definition
to allow one to (do s.t.)
Term
persister
 Definition
to persist in ___-ing
Term
persuader de
 Definition
to persuade to
Term
Petit
 Definition
Every little bit helps.
Term
un petit bout de chou/zan
 Definition
a little kid
Term
un petit bout de femme
 Definition
a mere slip of a woman
Term
un petit bout d'homme
 Definition
a mere scrap of a man
Term
un petit chat
 Definition
kitten
Term
Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivi
 Definition
Tall oaks from little acorns grow.
Term
Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse
 Definition
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Term
Pile ou face
 Definition
Heads or tails?
Term
plaire
 Definition
to please / be pleasing to
Term
Le plein (gas, petrol)
 Definition
Fill it up
Term
pleuvoir dans (la France)
 Definition
to rain in (France)
Term
la plupart de son temps
 Definition
most of one's time
Term
la plupart du temps
 Definition
most of the time
Term
Plus
 Definition
The more things change... (the more they stay the same)
Term
Plus fait douceur que violence.
 Definition
Kindness succeeds where force will fail.
Term
Plus on est de fous, plus on rit.
 Definition
The more the merrier.
Term
plus ou moins
 Definition
more or less, about
Term
plus que jamais
 Definition
more than ever
Term
Point de nouvelles, bonnes nouvelles.
 Definition
No news is good news.
Term
pointer le bout de son nez
 Definition
to show one's face, peep around (the corner, door)
Term
porter qqchose
 Definition
to struggle to keep something going
Term
Poser une question de but en blanc.
 Definition
To ask a question point-blank.
Term
pour ainsi dire
 Definition
so to speak
Term
Pour le meilleur et pour le pire.
 Definition
For better or for worse.
Term
Pour ma part
 Definition
For my part
Term
Pour moi
 Definition
In my view
Term
Pour qui te prends-tu
 Definition
Who do you think you are?
Term
pour tout dire
 Definition
in fact
Term
pour un coup
 Definition
for once
Term
pour un temps
 Definition
for a while
Term
Pourrais-je parler
 Definition
May I speak to ___?
Term
pousser qqun
 Definition
to push someone to the limit
Term
Pouvez-vous m'aider
 Definition
Can you help me?
Term
pr
 Definition
to prefer not to comment on
Term
pr
 Definition
to prefer not to commit oneself to
Term
le premier de l'an
 Definition
New Year's Day
Term
les premiers temps
 Definition
at first, in the beginning
Term
prendre
 Definition
to turn right
Term
prendre
 Definition
to turn left
Term
prendre au pied de la lettre
 Definition
to take literally
Term
prendre au s
 Definition
to take seriously
Term
prendre bien la chose
 Definition
to take s.t. well
Term
prendre des risques
 Definition
to take chances
Term
prendre du bon temps
 Definition
to enjoy oneself, to have a good time
Term
prendre du champs
 Definition
to step/stand back
Term
prendre du poids
 Definition
to gain weight
Term
prendre feu
 Definition
to catch fire
Term
prendre fin
 Definition
to come to an end
Term
prendre froid
 Definition
to catch a cold
Term
prendre garde
 Definition
to be careful, watch out
Term
prendre garde de (ne pas) + infinitive
 Definition
to be careful not to
Term
prendre go
 Definition
to take a liking to s.t.
Term
prendre la chose bien
 Definition
to take it well
Term
prendre la chose mal
 Definition
to take it badly
Term
prendre la cl
 Definition
to run away
Term
prendre l'air
 Definition
to get a breath of fresh air
Term
prendre le dessus
 Definition
to get the upper hand
Term
prendre le frais
 Definition
to get a breath of fresh air
Term
prendre le meilleur sur qqun
 Definition
to get the better of s.o.
Term
prendre le parti de
 Definition
to decide to
Term
prendre le temps de faire
 Definition
to find/make time to do
Term
prendre mal la chose
 Definition
to take s.t. poorly
Term
prendre (une) meilleure tournure
 Definition
to take a turn for the better
Term
prendre mod
 Definition
to model oneself on s.o.
Term
prendre qqch
 Definition
to buy/get s.t. for s.o.
Term
prendre qqch dans (une bo
 Definition
to take s.t. from (a box)
Term
prendre qqun en grippe
 Definition
to take a disliking to s.o.
Term
prendre qqun la main dans le sac
 Definition
to catch s.o. red-handed
Term
prendre qqchose par le bon bout
 Definition
to handle/approach something the right way
Term
prendre qqun par (la main)
 Definition
to take s.o. by (the hand)
Term
prendre qqun par son point faible
 Definition
to take advantage of s.o.'s weak spot
Term
prendre rendez-vous avec
 Definition
to make an appointment with
Term
prendre sa retraite
 Definition
to retire (from work)
Term
prendre ses jambes
 Definition
to run off
Term
prendre son courage
 Definition
to get up one's courage
Term
prendre tout son temps
 Definition
to take one's time
Term
prendre une claque
 Definition
to get a slap in the face from s.t.
Term
prendre une d
 Definition
to make a decision
Term
prendre un rhume
 Definition
to catch a cold
Term
Prends-
 Definition
Look on the bright side.
Term
Prenez votre temps
 Definition
Take your time
Term
prier de
 Definition
to beg to
Term
Printemps, c'est pour les amants
 Definition
Spring is for lovers
Term
profiter
 Definition
to benefit, be profitable to
Term
profiter de
 Definition
to make the most of
Term
la profondeur de champs
 Definition
depth of field
Term
promettre
 Definition
to promise
Term
promettre de
 Definition
to promise to
Term
proposer de
 Definition
to suggest
Term
les provisions de bouche
 Definition
provisions
Term
Qu'
 Definition
That's no problem.
Term
Quand faut y aller faut y aller
 Definition
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!
Term
Quand la solitude vous tombe dessus...
 Definition
When you suddenly find yourself alone...
Term
Quand le chat n'est pas l
 Definition
When the cat's away the mice will play.
Term
Quand le diable devient vieux, il se fait ermite.
 Definition
New converts are the most pious.
Term
Quand les poules auront des dents
 Definition
When pigs fly!
Term
Quand le vin est tir
 Definition
As you make your bed, so you must lie on it.
Term
Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue
 Definition
Speak of the devil!
Term
Quand on veut, on peut
 Definition
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Term
Quant
 Definition
As for me
Term
Une quantit
 Definition
They had a whole series of problems
Term
un 45 tours
 Definition
(record, album) single
Term
un quart de tour
 Definition
quarter turn
Term
Que demande le peuple
 Definition
What more could you ask for?
Term
Que dites-vous
 Definition
I beg your pardon? What did you say?
Term
Que faire
 Definition
What is to be done?
Term
Que faites-vous dans la vie
 Definition
What do you do for a living?
Term
Que faut-il leur dire
 Definition
What should I/we tell them?
Term
que je sache
 Definition
as far as I know, to the best of my knowledge
Term
Que je t'y prenne
 Definition
If I ever catch you doing that again...!
Term
Que le meilleur gagne.
 Definition
May the best man win.
Term
Quelle mouche t'a piqu
 Definition
What's eating you?
Term
Quel m
 Definition
What do you do for a living?
Term
quelque autre + noun
 Definition
some other/more
Term
quelque chose (indefinite pronoun)
 Definition
something
Term
quelque chose de + adjective
 Definition
something + adj
Term
quelque chose de (bizarre, int
 Definition
something (strange, interesting...)
Term
quelquefois (indefinite adverb)
 Definition
sometimes
Term
quelque part (ind adverb)
 Definition
somewhere
Term
quelque peu
 Definition
somewhat, rather, a bit
Term
quelque ... que
 Definition
whatever, whichever
Term
quelques-uns, quelques-unes (ind pronoun)
 Definition
some, a few
Term
quelque temps
 Definition
some time
Term
quelqu'un (ind pronoun)
 Definition
someone
Term
Quel temps fait-il
 Definition
How's the weather?
Term
Quels temps nous vivons
 Definition
What times we live in!
Term
Qu'en savez-vous?
 Definition
How do you know? What do you know about it?
Term
Que puis-je pour vous ? (formal)
 Definition
What can I do for you? How may I help you?
Term
Qu'est-ce que cela peut bien te faire
 Definition
What could that possibly matter to you?
Term
Qu'est-ce que j'ai fait avec (mes gants)
 Definition
What have I done with (my gloves)?
Term
Qu'est-ce que tu deviens
 Definition
What have you been up to?
Term
Qu'est-ce que tu lui trouves ?
 Definition
What do you seen in him?
Term
Qu'est-ce que tu me chantes
 Definition
What story are you giving me
Term
Qu'est-ce que tu racontes (l
 Definition
What on earth are you talking about / saying?
Term
Qu'est-ce que tu racontes ces temps-ci
 Definition
What's new with you (these days)?
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'il lui a pass
 Definition
He really laid into him, gave him a rough time!
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'ils nous ont mis !
 Definition
They beat the heck out of us!
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'il raconte
 Definition
What's he talking about?
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'il se croit ?
 Definition
Who does he think he is?
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'il tombe ! (informal)
 Definition
It's pouring / coming down in buckets / tipping it down!
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a
 Definition
What's wrong?
Term
Qu'est-ce qu'ils nous ont mis
 Definition
They beat the heck out of us!
Term
Qu'est-ce qui s'est pass
 Definition
What happened?
Term
Qu'est-ce qui t'a pris
 Definition
What's gotten into you?
Term
questionner qqun sur qqch
 Definition
to question s.o. about s.t.
Term
qu
 Definition
to collect for (orphans)
Term
Que vous fallait-il faire
 Definition
What did you have to do?
Term
Qui a bu boira.
 Definition
A leopard can't change his spots.
Term
Qui aime bien ch
 Definition
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Term
Qui casse les verres les paie.
 Definition
As you make your bed, so you must lie on it; You pay for your mistakes.
Term
Qui craint le danger ne doit pas aller en mer.
 Definition
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Term
Qui donne aux pauvres pr
 Definition
Charity will be rewarded in heaven.
Term
Qui dort d
 Definition
He who sleeps forgets his hunger.
Term
Qui est
 Definition
Who is calling?
Term
Qu'il entre
 Definition
Show him in, Tell him to come in.
Term
Qui m'aime aime mon chien.
 Definition
Love me love my dog.
Term
Qui m'aime me suive.
 Definition
Come all ye faithful.
Term
qui mieux est
 Definition
what's even better
Term
Qui na
 Definition
A leopard can't change his spots.
Term
Qui ne dit mot consent.
 Definition
Silence implies consent.
Term
Qui n'entend qu'une cloche n'entend qu'un son.
 Definition
Hear the other side and believe little.
Term
Qui ne risque rien n'a rien.
 Definition
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Term
Qui paie ses dettes s'enrichit.
 Definition
The rich man is the one who pays his debts.
Term
Qui peut le plus peut le moins.
 Definition
He who can do more can do less.
Term
qui plus est
 Definition
furthermore
Term
Qui sait ?
 Definition
Who knows?
Term
Qui se couche avec les chiens se l
 Definition
If you lie down with dogs you get up with fleas.
Term
Qui se fait brebis le loup le mange.
 Definition
Nice guys finish last.
Term
Qui se marie
 Definition
Marry in haste, repent later.
Term
Qui se ressemble s'assemble
 Definition
Birds of a feather flock together
Term
Qui se sent morveux, qu'il se mouche.
 Definition
If the shoe fits, wear it.
Term
Qui s
 Definition
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Term
Qui s'excuse, s'accuse.
 Definition
A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Term
Qui s'y frotte s'y pique.
 Definition
Watch out - you might get burned.
Term
Qui terre a, guerre a.
 Definition
He who has land has quarrels.
Term
Qui trop embrasse mal
 Definition
He who grasps at too much loses everything.
Term
Qui va
 Definition
He who leaves his place loses it.
Term
Qui va lentement va s
 Definition
More haste less speed.
Term
Qui veut la fin veut les moyens.
 Definition
The end justifies the means.
Term
Qui veut voyager loin m
 Definition
Slow and steady wins the race.
Term
Qui vivra verra.
 Definition
Time will tell, What will be will be.
Term
Qui vole un oeuf vole un boeuf.
 Definition
Give an inch and he'll take a mile.
Term
Quoi de neuf
 Definition
What's new?
Term
quoi qu'il arrive
 Definition
whatever happens
Term
raconter ce qui s'est pass
 Definition
to tell what happened
Term
raconter des histoires
 Definition
to tell tall tales
Term
raconter n'importe quoi
 Definition
to babble, talk nonsense, rubbish
Term
raconter que
 Definition
to tell that
Term
raconter sa vie
 Definition
to tell one's life story
Term
raconter sa vie
 Definition
to go on and on, talk excessively
Term
raison d'
 Definition
reason for being
Term
La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure.
 Definition
Might makes right.
Term
ramener ses fraises
 Definition
to put one's two cents in
Term
recommencer
 Definition
to begin ___-ing again
Term
r
 Definition
to consider, reflect upon
Term
r
 Definition
to think about, reflect upon
Term
refuser de
 Definition
to refuse to
Term
Regarde-moi dans le blanc des yeux
 Definition
Look me in the eye!
Term
regarder dans (la bo
 Definition
to look in (the box)
Term
regarder vers (le sud)
 Definition
to face/look (south)
Term
r
 Definition
to reign over
Term
regretter de
 Definition
to regret
Term
rejeter une faute sur qqun
 Definition
to place the blame on s.o.
Term
remercier (qqun)
 Definition
to thank (s.o.)
Term
remercier de
 Definition
to thank (for doing...)
Term
remercier pour (le livre...)
 Definition
to thank for (the book...)
Term
remercier qqun de tout coeur
 Definition
to thank s.o. from the bottom of one's heart
Term
Remerciez-le de ma part.
 Definition
Thank him for me.
Term
Remets-toi vite.
 Definition
Get well soon.
Term
Rendez-vous compte
 Definition
Just imagine!
Term
rendre (heureux, effray
 Definition
to make (happy, scared, mad....)
Term
rendre gloire
 Definition
to glorify
Term
rendre gorge
 Definition
to repay unfairly gotten gains
Term
rendre gr
 Definition
to give thanks to
Term
rendre hommage
 Definition
to pay homage to
Term
rendre honneur
 Definition
to pay tribute to
Term
rendre l'
 Definition
to breathe one's last
Term
rendre le bien pour le mal
 Definition
to return good for evil
Term
rendre le soupir
 Definition
to breathe one's last
Term
rendre les derniers honneurs
 Definition
to pay the last tributes to
Term
rendre raison de qqch
 Definition
to give a reason for s.t.
Term
rendre service
 Definition
to be a great help, to be handy
Term
rendre service
 Definition
to do s.o. a service
Term
rendre un culte
 Definition
to worship
Term
rendre visite
 Definition
to visit s.o.
Term
renoncer
 Definition
to give up ___-ing
Term
repas du soir
 Definition
evening meal
Term
r
 Definition
to answer
Term
reprendre le dessus
 Definition
to get over it
Term
r
 Definition
to save the best for last
Term
r
 Definition
to resist
Term
ressembler
 Definition
to resemble
Term
ressembler par
 Definition
to resemble due to
Term
rester bouche b
 Definition
to be open-mouthed, lost in wonder, astonished
Term
rester sur la d
 Definition
to stay on the defensive
Term
se retrouver en plein(s) champ(s)
 Definition
to find oneself in the middle of a field
Term
r
 Definition
to succeed in ___-ing
Term
r
 Definition
to pass the test
Term
r
 Definition
to pull it off
Term
revenir sur (un sujet)
 Definition
to go back over (a topic)
Term
revenir sur son id
 Definition
to think better of s.t., change one's mind
Term
r
 Definition
to dream of ___-ing
Term
r
 Definition
to dream of
Term
rien
 Definition
It's hopeless, no use insisting
Term
Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir
 Definition
Slow and steady wins the race.
Term
Rira bien qui rira le dernier.
 Definition
Whoever laughs last laughs best.
Term
rire de
 Definition
to laugh at
Term
rire un bon coup
 Definition
to have a good laugh
Term
une robe du soir
 Definition
evening gown
Term
rouler
 Definition
to go 80 km per hour
Term
rouler
 Definition
to drive on the left/right
Term
rouler
 Definition
to race along
Term
rouler au pas
 Definition
to go at a snail's pace, to crawl along
Term
rouler des m
 Definition
to swagger
Term
rouler la p
 Definition
to roll out crust, dough
Term
rouler les hanches
 Definition
to wiggle one's hips
Term
rouler les R
 Definition
to roll one's R's
Term
rouler pour qqun (inf)
 Definition
to work for s.o.
Term
rouler sa bosse
 Definition
to see the world, to knock around
Term
rouler ses manches (jusqu'au coude)
 Definition
to roll up one's sleeves (to the elbow)
Term
rouler sous la table
 Definition
to be drunk
Term
rouler sur
 Definition
to center on (conversation)
Term
rouler sur l'or (inf)
 Definition
to be very rich, loaded
Term
rouler une cigarette
 Definition
to roll a cigarette
Term
rouler une pelle
 Definition
to French kiss s.o.
Term
rouler une poussette
 Definition
to push a baby carriage
Term
rouler une voiture
 Definition
to drive a car
Term
rouler un patin
 Definition
to French kiss s.o.
Term
rouler un tapis
 Definition
to roll up a rug
Term
s'abriter contre (le vent)
 Definition
to take shelter against (the wind)
Term
s'agir de
 Definition
to be a question of
Term
sain et sauf
 Definition
safe and sound
Term
un sale coup
 Definition
dreadful blow
Term
s'amuser
 Definition
to amuse oneself ___-ing
Term
Sans blague
 Definition
No kidding!
Term
Sans vouloir vous contredire
 Definition
Without meaning to contradict you
Term
s'appr
 Definition
to get ready to
Term
s'approcher de
 Definition
to approach
Term
s'appuyer contre (un arbre)
 Definition
to lean against (a tree)
Term
s'arr
 Definition
to stop ___-ing
Term
s'asseoir contre (son ami)
 Definition
to sit next to (one's friend)
Term
s'assurer contre (l'incendie)
 Definition
to insure against (fire)
Term
s'attendre
 Definition
to expect to
Term
s'attendre
 Definition
to expect more/better
Term
sauter sur une occasion
 Definition
to jump at an opportunity
Term
s'autoriser
 Definition
to authorize / allow to
Term
Sauve qui peut
 Definition
Run for your life!
Term
savoir-faire
 Definition
knowing how to do; tact, social grace
Term
savoir qqchose sur le bout du (des) doigt(s)
 Definition
to know something inside and out
Term
se battre contre
 Definition
to fight against
Term
se blottir contre (sa m
 Definition
to cuddle up next to (one's mother, dog)
Term
se casser la figure (inf)
 Definition
to fall flat on one's face, go bankrupt
Term
se casser la figure contre (inf)
 Definition
to crash into
Term
se casser la jambe/le bras
 Definition
to break one's arm/leg
Term
se casser la t
 Definition
to wrack one's brains about
Term
se casser le cou
 Definition
to fall flat on one's face, go bankrupt
Term
se casser le nez
 Definition
to find no one in, to fail
Term
se casser net
 Definition
to break clean off / through
Term
se casser pour + infinitive (fam)
 Definition
to split, take off
Term
se casser pour + infinitive (inf)
 Definition
to strain oneself to do s.t., to work at s.t.
Term
se changer en
 Definition
to change into
Term
se chercher
 Definition
to search for an identity
Term
s
 Definition
to cut one's classes, play hooky
Term
se claquer un muscle (inf)
 Definition
to pull a muscle
Term
se contenter de
 Definition
to be happy
Term
se d
 Definition
to decide to
Term
se d
 Definition
to disguise oneself as
Term
se demander
 Definition
to wonder, to ask oneself
Term
se demander bien pourquoi...
 Definition
to not be able to figure out why...
Term
se d
 Definition
to hurry to
Term
se dire
 Definition
to say to oneself, to think, to claim to be, to be said
Term
se diriger vers
 Definition
to move toward/make/head for
Term
se donne un mal de chien
 Definition
to bend over backwards to do
Term
se donner ___ jours/mois de pour
 Definition
to give oneself ___ days/months to...
Term
se donner
 Definition
to devote oneself to
Term
se donner
 Definition
to give one's all to s.t.
Term
se donner bonne conscience
 Definition
to affect a clear conscience, ease one's conscience
Term
se donner comme but/mission/objectif de...
 Definition
to make it one's aim/mission/objective to...
Term
se donner de grands airs
 Definition
to give oneself airs
Term
se donner de la peine
 Definition
to take great pains
Term
se donner des airs de
 Definition
to act like
Term
se donner des baisers
 Definition
to kiss one another
Term
se donner des coups
 Definition
to exchange blows
Term
se donner du bon temps
 Definition
to have a good/whale of a time
Term
se donner du mal
 Definition
to take great trouble; to work hard
Term
se donner le mot
 Definition
to pass the word on
Term
se donner le nom/titre de
 Definition
to call oneself by the name/title of
Term
se donner le temps de faire
 Definition
to give oneself time to do
Term
se donner les moyens de faire
 Definition
to find the means to do
Term
se donner pour
 Definition
to claim/profess to be; to make oneself out to be
Term
se donner pour but/mission/objectif/t
 Definition
to make it one's aim/mission/objective/task to...
Term
se donner rendez-vous
 Definition
to arrange to meet, make an appointment
Term
se donner un coup
 Definition
to bang one's head / arm
Term
se donner un ma
 Definition
to choose a master/president
Term
se donner une contenance
 Definition
to pretend to be composed
Term
se donner une importance qu'on n'a pas
 Definition
to act as if one is important when s/ he isn't
Term
se donner une nouvelle image
 Definition
to give oneself a new image
Term
s'en aller par tous les bouts
 Definition
to be falling apart
Term
se f
 Definition
to get mad at
Term
se faire + adjective
 Definition
to become
Term
se faire + infinitive
 Definition
to have s.t. done to / for oneself
Term
se faire + money
 Definition
to earn
Term
se faire + noun
 Definition
to make s.t. for oneself
Term
se faire
 Definition
to get used to s.t.
Term
se faire de bonnes journ
 Definition
to make good money
Term
se faire des id
 Definition
to be fooling oneself
Term
se faire des illusions
 Definition
to be fooling oneself
Term
se faire des soucis
 Definition
to worry
Term
se faire du mauvais sang
 Definition
to worry
Term
se faire du souci
 Definition
to worry
Term
se faire fort de + infinitive
 Definition
to be confident, claim that one can do s.t.
Term
se faire mal
 Definition
to hurt oneself
Term
se faire mal au pied
 Definition
to hurt one's foot
Term
se faire passer pour
 Definition
to pass oneself off as
Term
se faire rouler (dans la farine) (inf)
 Definition
to get swindled, to be had
Term
se faire sonner les cloches (inf)
 Definition
to be told off
Term
se faire tout petit
 Definition
to try not to be noticed, make inconspicuous
Term
se faire tout seul
 Definition
to be a self-made man
Term
se faire une id
 Definition
to get some idea
Term
se faire une montagne de qqch
 Definition
to exaggerate the importance of s.t.
Term
se faire une raison
 Definition
to resign oneself to s.t.
Term
s'efforcer de
 Definition
to endeavor to
Term
se fier
 Definition
to trust s.o.
Term
se gaver de (films)
 Definition
to be a glutton for (movies)
Term
se h
 Definition
to hurry to
Term
se heurter de face
 Definition
to collide head on
Term
se heurter de front
 Definition
to collide head on
Term
se jeter sur qqun
 Definition
to throw oneself upon s.o.
Term
se lever avant le jour
 Definition
to get up before dawn
Term
Selon moi
 Definition
In my view
Term
s'embrasser
 Definition
to kiss eagerly
Term
s'embrasser
 Definition
to kiss right on the lips
Term
s'embrasser sur la bouche
 Definition
to kiss on the lips
Term
se m
 Definition
to distrust, beware of
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to start, set about ___-ing
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to start eating, studying
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to strip of
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to team up with s.o.
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to sit down to eat
Term
se mettre
 Definition
to come clean
Term
se mettre (au fran
 Definition
to start learning (French, to play the guitar)
Term
se mettre au r
 Definition
to go on a diet
Term
se mettre au travail
 Definition
to start working
Term
se mettre au vert
 Definition
to lie low
Term
se mettre autour de
 Definition
to gather round
Term
se mettre contre le mur
 Definition
to stand against the wall
Term
se mettre dans une situation d
 Definition
to get oneself into an awkward situation
Term
se mettre en col
 Definition
to get mad
Term
se mettre en route
 Definition
to set out
Term
se mettre sur ses gardes
 Definition
to be on guard, keep one's guard up
Term
se mettre sur un rang
 Definition
to form a line/queue
Term
se mettre une id
 Definition
to get an idea into one's head
Term
se monter
 Definition
to come to, amount to
Term
se monter le bourrichon
 Definition
to get all worked up
Term
se monter la t
 Definition
to get all worked up (over nothing)
Term
se moquer de
 Definition
to make fun of
Term
s'empresser de
 Definition
to hurry to
Term
s'en aller
 Definition
to go away
Term
s'en donner (inf)
 Definition
to have the time of one's life
Term
s'en donner
 Definition
to enjoy oneself to the full, to have a field day
Term
s'endormir sur (un livre, son travail)
 Definition
to fall asleep (over a book, at work)
Term
s'en faire (fam)
 Definition
to be worried
Term
s'engager
 Definition
to get around to
Term
s'en mettre partout
 Definition
to get covered in it, to get s.t. all over oneself
Term
s'ennuyer
 Definition
to be bored to death
Term
s'en prendre
 Definition
to pick on s.o.
Term
s'en tenir
 Definition
to get off easy
Term
se passer de
 Definition
to do without
Term
se payer (inf)
 Definition
to treat oneself to
Term
se payer la t
 Definition
to make fun of s.o.; to trick s.o.
Term
se pencher pour
 Definition
to bend down in order to
Term
se perdre
 Definition
to get lost, lose one's way
Term
se perdre dans la foule
 Definition
to get lost in the crowd
Term
se perdre dans les d
 Definition
to get bogged down in details
Term
se perdre dans ses pens
 Definition
to be lost in thought
Term
se permettre de
 Definition
to allow oneself to
Term
se plaindre de
 Definition
to complain about
Term
se plaire
 Definition
to take pleasure in ___-ing
Term
se prendre pour (un intellectuel)
 Definition
to think/consider oneself (an intellectual)
Term
se pr
 Definition
to prepare onself to
Term
se presser de
 Definition
to hurry to
Term
se raconter des histoires
 Definition
To be kidding / fooling / lying to oneself
Term
se rendre
 Definition
to surrender
Term
se rendre
 Definition
to go to
Term
se rendre
 Definition
to respond to s.o.'s appeal
Term
se rendre
 Definition
to bow to s.o.'s advice
Term
se rendre
 Definition
to face facts
Term
se rendre aux ordres
 Definition
to comply with orders
Term
se rendre aux pri
 Definition
to yield to s.o.'s pleas
Term
se rendre aux raisons de qqun
 Definition
to bow to s.o.'s reasons
Term
se rendre compte de
 Definition
to realize
Term
se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'eau
 Definition
to be like two peas in a pod
Term
serrer la main
 Definition
to shake hands with Jean
Term
serrer qqun contre sa poitrine
 Definition
to hug s.o.
Term
serrer qqun contre son coeur
 Definition
to hug s.o.
Term
se rouler les pouces
 Definition
to twiddle one's thumbs
Term
se rouler par terre de rire
 Definition
to roll on the ground laughing
Term
service compris
 Definition
tip included
Term
service de jour
 Definition
day service
Term
service non compris
 Definition
tip not included
Term
servir
 Definition
to serve to
Term
se sentir mieux
 Definition
to feel better
Term
se servir de
 Definition
to make use of
Term
se sonner les oreilles
 Definition
to have ringing ears
Term
se soucier de
 Definition
to care about
Term
se souvenir de
 Definition
to remember
Term
s'
 Definition
to spread out over
Term
se tenir
 Definition
to hold onto s.t.
Term
se tenir au courant de qqch
 Definition
to keep informed about s.t.
Term
se tenir bien
 Definition
to behave
Term
se tenir les c
 Definition
to split one's sides laughing
Term
se tenir mal
 Definition
to misbehave
Term
se tenir sur ses gardes
 Definition
to be on guard, keep one's guard up
Term
se transmettre de bouche
 Definition
to be spread by word of mouth
Term
se trouver oblig
 Definition
to have to, be obliged to
Term
se vendre en (bouteilles)
 Definition
to be sold in (bottles)
Term
se voir
 Definition
to see each other
Term
se voir contraint de
 Definition
to be compelled to
Term
se voir dans l'obligation de
 Definition
to be obliged to
Term
se voir en cachette
 Definition
to meet secretly
Term
s'excuser de
 Definition
to apologize for
Term
s'exprimer par la bouche de qqun d'autre
 Definition
to use s.o. else as one's mouthpiece
Term
s'habituer
 Definition
to get used to
Term
Si cela ne vous fait rien
 Definition
If you don't mind.
Term
signer pour (qqun)
 Definition
to sign on behalf of (s.o.)
Term
Si je t'y prends encore
 Definition
If I ever catch you doing that again...!
Term
Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait.
 Definition
Youth is wasted on the young.
Term
s'il te pla
 Definition
please
Term
S'il venait
 Definition
If he were to
Term
s'il vous pla
 Definition
please
Term
s'int
 Definition
to be interested in
Term
Si on (allait au cin
 Definition
How about (going to the movies)?
Term
Si vous voulez mon opinion/avis
 Definition
If you want my opinion
Term
s'occuper de
 Definition
to be busy with
Term
soi-disant
 Definition
so-called
Term
le soir descend / tombe
 Definition
evening is closing in
Term
une soir
 Definition
dance
Term
soit
 Definition
so be it, that is
Term
soit... soit...
 Definition
either... or...
Term
Le soleil donne en plein.
 Definition
The sun is beating down.
Term
Le soleil montre le bout de son nez.
 Definition
The sun is (barely) out.
Term
Les sondages le donnent en t
 Definition
The polls put him in the lead.
Term
songer
 Definition
to dream / think of
Term
son meilleur ami
 Definition
one's best friend
Term
sonner
 Definition
to peal out
Term
sonner aux champs
 Definition
to sound the general salute (military)
Term
sonner bien
 Definition
to sound good
Term
sonner chez qqun
 Definition
to ring s.o.'s doorbell
Term
sonner clair
 Definition
to ring clearly
Term
sonner creux
 Definition
to sound/ring hollow
Term
sonner faux
 Definition
to sound out of tune, to ring false
Term
sonner juste
 Definition
to sound in tune, to ring true
Term
sonner l'alarme
 Definition
to sound the alarm
Term
sonner les cloches
 Definition
to tell s.o. off, give s.o. a roasting
Term
sonner l'heure
 Definition
to strike the hour
Term
sonner mal
 Definition
to sound bad
Term
sonner trois coups
 Definition
to ring three times
Term
sonner un coup
 Definition
to ring (doorbell, bell)
Term
s'opposer
 Definition
to oppose
Term
sortir du champ
 Definition
to go out of shot (filming)
Term
sortir par (la fen
 Definition
to leave by (the window)
Term
Un sou est un sou.
 Definition
Every penny counts
Term
Souris qui n'a qu'un trou est bient
 Definition
Better safe than sorry.
Term
sous le coup de
 Definition
in the grip of
Term
supplier de
 Definition
to beg, beseech
Term
sur ce, j'ai fait X
 Definition
whereupon I did X
Term
sur ces entrefaites
 Definition
at that moment
Term
sur ces mots
 Definition
with this, so saying
Term
sur ce ton
 Definition
like that, in that way
Term
sur commande
 Definition
by order
Term
sur invitation
 Definition
by invititation
Term
sur la porte
 Definition
in the door
Term
sur la recommendation de X
 Definition
upon X's recommendation
Term
sur le bout de
 Definition
on the tip of
Term
sur-le-champ
 Definition
immediately, right away
Term
sur le coup
 Definition
at the time, at first, outright
Term
sur le coup de 10 heures
 Definition
around 10 o'clock
Term
sur le d
 Definition
about to leave
Term
sur le fait
 Definition
in the act, red-handed
Term
sur le mode mineur
 Definition
in the minor key
Term
sur le moment
 Definition
at the time, at first
Term
sur l'heure
 Definition
immediately, right away
Term
sur moi
 Definition
on me, in my possession
Term
survivre
 Definition
to survive
Term
s'y prendre
 Definition
to go about doing s.t.
Term
s'y prendre bien
 Definition
to do a good job
Term
s'y prendre mal
 Definition
to do a bad job
Term
Ta bouche (b
 Definition
Shut up! Shut your trap!
Term
t
 Definition
to try to
Term
tant et plus de
 Definition
ever so much, many
Term
tant mieux
 Definition
good, great, so much the better
Term
Tant va la cruche
 Definition
Enough is enough.
Term
tarder
 Definition
to delay / be late in ___-ing
Term
t
 Definition
to call
Term
t
 Definition
to phone about (the problem)
Term
Tel est pris qui croyait prendre.
 Definition
It's the biter bit.
Term
Telle est mon opinion sur
 Definition
That's my view of
Term
Tel p
 Definition
Like father, like son.
Term
Tel qui rit vendredi dimanche pleurera.
 Definition
Laugh on Friday, cry on Sunday.
Term
le temps d'acc
 Definition
access time
Term
le temps d'antenne
 Definition
airtime
Term
le temps d'arr
 Definition
pause, halt
Term
le temps astronomique
 Definition
mean/astronomical time
Term
le temps atomique
 Definition
atomic time
Term
le temps compose (grammar)
 Definition
compound verb tense
Term
le temps de cuisson
 Definition
cooking time
Term
le temps diff
 Definition
batch mode
Term
le temps faible
 Definition
weak beat, low point
Term
le temps fort
 Definition
strong beat, high point
Term
le temps frappe (music)
 Definition
downbeat
Term
le temps de guerre
 Definition
wartime
Term
le temps libre
 Definition
spare time
Term
le temps litt
 Definition
literary verb tense
Term
le temps mort
 Definition
stoppage, injury time; lull, slack period
Term
le temps de paix
 Definition
peacetime
Term
le temps de parole
 Definition
air time
Term
le temps partag
 Definition
time-sharing
Term
le temps de pose
 Definition
exposure/value index
Term
le temps de r
 Definition
reaction time
Term
le temps de r
 Definition
response time
Term
le temps de saignement
 Definition
bleeding time
Term
le temps sid
 Definition
sidereal time
Term
le temps simple
 Definition
simple verb tense
Term
le temps solaire vrai
 Definition
apparent/real solar time
Term
le temps surcompos
 Definition
double-compound tense
Term
le temps universel
 Definition
universal time
Term
le temps de valse
 Definition
waltz time
Term
Le temps c'est de l'argent
 Definition
Time is money
Term
Le temps est venu de
 Definition
The time has come to, it's time to
Term
Le temps n'est plus o
 Definition
Gone are the days when
Term
Le temps perdu ne se rattrape jamais
 Definition
Time and tide wait for no man
Term
Le temps presse
 Definition
Time is short
Term
Les temps ont bien chang
 Definition
Times have changed
Term
Les temps sont durs
 Definition
Times are hard!
Term
tenez votre droite
 Definition
keep to the right
Term
tenez votre gauche
 Definition
keep to the left
Term
tenir
 Definition
to hold (s.o.) to / insist on ___-ing
Term
tenir
 Definition
to be anxious to
Term
tenir
 Definition
to be anxious that
Term
tenir
 Definition
to cherish s.t.
Term
tenir bon
 Definition
to hold one's ground
Term
tenir compagnie
 Definition
to keep s.o. company
Term
tenir compte de
 Definition
to keep in mind, to take into account
Term
tenir de (sa m
 Definition
to resemble, take after (one's mother)
Term
tenir de bonne source
 Definition
to have on good authority
Term
tenir de qqun
 Definition
to take after s.o.
Term
tenir debout
 Definition
to hold water (figuratively)
Term
tenir le bon bout
 Definition
to be on the right track
Term
tenir le coup
 Definition
to hold out, to make it through
Term
tenir qqun
 Definition
to keep an eye on s.o.
Term
tenir qqun/qqch pour
 Definition
to regard s.o./s.t. as
Term
tenir rigueur
 Definition
to hold it against s.o. for not
Term
tenir toujours sa parole
 Definition
to always keep one's word
Term
tenter le coup
 Definition
to have a go, try one's luck
Term
tenue de soir
 Definition
formal, evening dress
Term
tenue de soir
 Definition
black tie
Term
t
 Definition
head to head, private conversation
Term
Tiens!
 Definition
Hey there! or Take this.
Term
Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l'auras.
 Definition
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Term
tir
 Definition
taken, derived from
Term
se tirer
 Definition
to leave, push off, clear out
Term
tirer
 Definition
to shoot blanks
Term
tirer
 Definition
to lay into someone tooth and nail
Term
tirer
 Definition
to print ___ copies/issues
Term
tirer
 Definition
to draw straws
Term
tirer
 Definition
to be drawing to a close, to be nearly over
Term
tirer
 Definition
to shoot on sight
Term
tirer au but
 Definition
to take a shot, to shoot at the goal
Term
tirer au cul
 Definition
to shirk, skive
Term
tirer au flanc
 Definition
to shirk, skive
Term
se tirer d'affaire tout seul
 Definition
to manage on one's own
Term
tirer dans les jambes/pattes de qqun
 Definition
to make someone's life difficult
Term
se tirer de
 Definition
to get oneself out of; to cope with
Term
tirer de l'argent
 Definition
to earn/make/get money
Term
se tirer dessus
 Definition
to shoot at each other
Term
se tirer des pattes de qqun
 Definition
to get out of someone's clutches
Term
tirer en l'air
 Definition
to fire into the air
Term
tirer les cartes
 Definition
to read someone's cards
Term
tirer la f
 Definition
to win the charm
Term
tirer la jambe
 Definition
to drag one's feet; to limp
Term
tirer le jus
 Definition
to juice
Term
tirer la patte
 Definition
to hobble along
Term
tirer les rois
 Definition
to cut the Twelfth night cake
Term
tirer le verrou
 Definition
to bolt
Term
tirer qqch au sort
 Definition
to draw lots for something
Term
tirer qqch de qqun
 Definition
to get something out of someone
Term
tirer qqun
 Definition
to pull someone aside
Term
tirer qqun (du prison, d'une situation)
 Definition
to get someone out of (prison, a situation)
Term
tirer qqun d'affaire
 Definition
to help someone out, pull someone through
Term
tirer qqun de c
 Definition
to pull someone aside
Term
tirer qqun du doute
 Definition
to dispel someone's doubts
Term
tirer qqun d'embarras
 Definition
to help someone out of a predicament
Term
tirer qqun de l'erreur
 Definition
to disabuse someone
Term
tirer qqun du lit
 Definition
to drag someone out of bed
Term
tirer qqun de (la mis
 Definition
to rescue someone (from poverty)
Term
tirer qqun de sa r
 Definition
to wake someone from his/her daydreams
Term
tirer qqun du sommeil
 Definition
to wake someone
Term
tirer qqun de son travail
 Definition
to drag someone away from his/her work
Term
tirer sans sommation
 Definition
to shoot without warning
Term
tirer ses prix
 Definition
to sell at rock bottom prices
Term
tirer sur
 Definition
to pull at/on
Term
tirer sur la corde
 Definition
to push one's luck
Term
tirer sur l'
 Definition
to draw on one's savings
Term
tirer sur la ficelle
 Definition
to push one's luck
Term
tirer sur les r
 Definition
to pull on the reins
Term
tirer un bord
 Definition
to tack
Term
tirer des bords, bord
 Definition
to tack
Term
tirer une bord
 Definition
to go on a spree
Term
tirer une boule
 Definition
to throw
Term
tirer une conclusion
 Definition
to draw a conclusion
Term
tirer un coup
 Definition
to have sex
Term
tirer un coup de revolver / feu
 Definition
to fire a shot
Term
tirer un plan
 Definition
to draw a plan (e.g., of a building)
Term
tirer un texte/auteur
 Definition
to translate a text/author to suit oneself
Term
une toilette de chat
 Definition
quick wash, a lick and a promise
Term
tomber amoureux de
 Definition
to fall in love with
Term
tomber au champ d'honneur
 Definition
to be killed in action
Term
tomber en panne en route
 Definition
to break down on the way to
Term
Ton histoire m'a coup
 Definition
Your story made me lose my appetite.
Term
toucher un ch
 Definition
to cash a check
Term
tourner sept fois sa langue dans sa bouche avant de parler
 Definition
to think long and hard before speaking
Term
tourner sur (l'
 Definition
to turn (toward the church, right)
Term
tourner vers (la droite)
 Definition
to turn to (the right)
Term
tous ces gens
 Definition
all these people
Term
tous les deux jours
 Definition
every other day
Term
tous les enfants
 Definition
all the children
Term
Tous les go
 Definition
It takes all kinds (to make a world).
Term
tous les jours
 Definition
every day
Term
tout
 Definition
all of a sudden, suddenly
Term
tout au plus
 Definition
at the very most
Term
tout de suite
 Definition
right away
Term
Tout d
 Definition
It all depends on
Term
tout d'un coup
 Definition
all of a sudden, suddenly
Term
tout enfant
 Definition
every child
Term
Tout est bien qui finit bien.
 Definition
All's well that ends well.
Term
Tout laisse
 Definition
There is every indication that...
Term
tout laisser en plan
 Definition
to drop everything
Term
tout le temps
 Definition
all the time
Term
Tout se paie
 Definition
Everything has its price
Term
Tout soldat a dans son sac son bat
 Definition
The sky is the limit.
Term
Tout va le mieux du monde.
 Definition
Everything is going beautifully.
Term
Tout vient
 Definition
All things come to those who wait.
Term
toute cette tristesse
 Definition
all this sadness
Term
toute la journ
 Definition
all day
Term
toute ma famille
 Definition
my whole family
Term
Toute peine m
 Definition
The laborer is worthy of his hire.
Term
toutes ces id
 Definition
all of these ideas
Term
traduire en (fran
 Definition
to translate into (French)
Term
traduire vers (l'anglais)
 Definition
to translate into (English)
Term
Le train entre en gare.
 Definition
The train is coming in(to the station)
Term
transformer qqch en (qqch)
 Definition
to change s.t. into (s.t.)
Term
transmettre ses remerciements
 Definition
to pass on one's thanks to
Term
le travail
 Definition
flextime, flexitime
Term
le travail
 Definition
job-sharing
Term
le travail bien pay
 Definition
well-paid work
Term
le travail mal pay
 Definition
poorly-paid work
Term
travailler
 Definition
to work full-time
Term
travailler
 Definition
to work part-time
Term
travailler aux champs
 Definition
to work in the fields
Term
travailler de jour (de nuit)
 Definition
to work days (nights)
Term
travailler pour
 Definition
to work for
Term
troquer qqch contre qqch
 Definition
to swap s.t. for s.t. else
Term
trouver l'oiseau rare
 Definition
to find Mr. Right
Term
Tu as beau dire, je ne te crois pas.
 Definition
It doesn't matter what you say, I don't believe you
Term
Tu as envie de...?
 Definition
Do you feel like...?
Term
Tu connais la meilleure
 Definition
And do you know the best part? (e.g., of the story)
Term
Tu es toujours dans mon chemin
 Definition
You're always in my way
Term
Tu l'auras cherch
 Definition
You've been asking for it!
Term
Tu es libre
 Definition
Are you free?
Term
Tu me casses les bonbons
 Definition
You're a pain in the neck!
Term
Tu me g
 Definition
You're spoiling me!
Term
Tu mets le doigt dans l'oeil.
 Definition
You're fooling yourself.
Term
Tu n'as rien de mieux
 Definition
Don't you have anything better to do?
Term
Tu ne m
 Definition
You don't mince words
Term
Tu n'y perds rien
 Definition
It's no great loss, You haven't missed anything.
Term
Tu parles
 Definition
You must be joking!
Term
Tu penses toujours au pire.
 Definition
You always assume the worst.
Term
Tu perds la raison
 Definition
Are you out of your mind?
Term
Tu te rends compte
 Definition
Can you imagine?
Term
Tu t'es lev
 Definition
Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?
Term
tuer le temps
 Definition
to kill time
Term
valoir mieux
 Definition
to be better / more valuable
Term
Va te faire mettre
 Definition
Get lost!
Term
la veille au soir
 Definition
the previous evening
Term
vendre la m
 Definition
to let the cat out of the bag
Term
Venez donc...
 Definition
Come and...
Term
venir
 Definition
to come up to, reach, happen to
Term
venir
 Definition
to manage to, to succeed in
Term
venir
 Definition
to get through; to overcome
Term
venir au monde
 Definition
to come into the world
Term
venir avec plaisir
 Definition
to be glad to come
Term
venir chercher
 Definition
to call for, to come get
Term
venir chercher qqun
 Definition
to come get / pick s.o. up
Term
venir de
 Definition
to have just done s.t. (le pass
Term
venir par (la c
 Definition
to come along/by (the coast)
Term
La v
 Definition
Out of the mouths of babes.
Term
veuillez (+ infinitive)
 Definition
please
Term
la vie aux champs
 Definition
country life
Term
Viens donc...
 Definition
Come on and...
Term
vivre au jour le jour
 Definition
To live from hand to mouth
Term
vivre comme chien et chat
 Definition
to fight like cat and dog
Term
vivre dans (la mis
 Definition
to live in (poverty, fear)
Term
vivre les uns sur les autres
 Definition
to live one on top of the other
Term
voir 36 chandelles
 Definition
to see stars
Term
voir
 Definition
to see to it that, to make sure that
Term
voir de ses propres yeux
 Definition
to see s.t. with one's own eyes
Term
voir la vie en rose
 Definition
to see life through rose-colored glasses
Term
voir le bout du tunnel
 Definition
to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Term
voir qqch d'un mauvais oeil
 Definition
to look down on s.t.
Term
voir qqun
 Definition
to see s.o. in action
Term
voir venir
 Definition
wait and see
Term
voir venir gros comme une maison
 Definition
to see s.t. coming from a mile away
Term
vol
 Definition
armed robbery
Term
voler (qqch)
 Definition
to steal (s.t.) from (s.o.)
Term
voter contre
 Definition
to vote against
Term
voter pour
 Definition
to vote for
Term
vouloir bien
 Definition
to be willing/glad/good/kind enough to
Term
vouloir dire
 Definition
to mean
Term
Vouloir, c'est pouvoir.
 Definition
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Term
Vous avez tout votre temps
 Definition
You have all the time in the world / plenty of time / all the time you need
Term
Vous nous feriez tr
 Definition
We would be delighted if you could spend an evening with us.
Term
Vous voyez d'ici le tableau
 Definition
Just picture it!
Term
voyager en (train, taxi)
 Definition
to travel by (train, taxi)
Term
y mettre la derni
 Definition
to put the finishing touches on
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