The French idiom “faire long feu” literally translates as “to make long fire.” What it really means is “to drag on,” “to not have the desired effect,” “to last longer than expected” or “to miss your goal.” It comes from the era of of muzzle-loading rifles, before the invention of waterproof cartridges that enclosed the…

The French idiom “savoir où le bât blesse” means literally “to know where the pack-saddle pinches.” What it really means is “to know someone’s secret problems” or “to know someone’s hidden pain.” A pack saddle is a device, usually made from wood, placed on the back of an animal, to enable it to transport goods….

The French saying “avoir le coeur sur la main” literally translates as “to have the heart on the hand.” It means “to be inclined to great generosity,” or “to be generous.” This saying dates back to the end of the 18th century. It comes from the idea that your heart is your most precious possession, because…