“Donner un coup de pouce” is a French saying that literally means “to give a push of the thumb.” It really means a rapid and audacious attack, a smart way to proceed, some momentary help, or just help in general.
The origin of this idiom is unknown. Its first date of use is also unknown.
Similar English expressions include “nudge,” “to lend a hand,” and “to give a boost.”
Literally this expression means “occupy yourself with your onions.” But it translates into English as “Mind your own business.” It is sometimes abbreviated to “c’est pas tes oignons” or simply “pas tes oignons” (none of your business, or “not your onions”). One theory as to the origin of this expression comes from the word “l’oigne,” which…
“faire la pluie et le beau temps” means to be all powerful, to decide everything, to be the decision maker in a group of people. The French words literally mean “to make rain and nice weather.” It refers to the theoretical ability to control the weather, which would make someone extremely powerful. The saying dates…
“Il vaut mieux que” means “It is better that.” It is derived from the phrase “il vaut mieux,” meaning “it is better.” The phrase it is derived from, “il vaut mieux,” is used in a general way to say that “it is better that something be done.” But “il vaut mieux” does not specify who…
The French idiom “aller à la selle” means literally “to go to the saddle.” But it doesn’t really have anything to do with horse riding. What it literally means is “to go to the toilet,” or “to have a bowel movement.” The saying is somewhat dated, so it is not used very frequently these days,…
The French expression “en rester comme deux ronds de flan” is an idiomatic expression that means “to be left speechless,” “to be perplexed,” or “to be stunned.” It is used to describe someone who is so surprised or shocked by something that they are unable to respond or react. Some believe that the origin of…
This French idiom means literally, “the English have disembarked.” From 1815 to 1820, the English Army, wearing their traditional red uniforms, occupied France in their war against Napoléon. After they left, Parisians started using this phrase to mean, “to have her period,” since the flow of unwelcome English invaders wearing red coats resembled red menstrual…