“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.”
The French expression “ne pas envoyer dire” (also written as “ne pas l’envoyer dire”), means “to say something to someone, very directly, bluntly, or unceremoniously.” Example of usage
The French verb “vouloir” is a very important and frequently used verb. It means “to want.” It is often used with other verbs, eg “to want to do.” As such, it is described as an auxiliary verb, or helper verb, because it is useful when combined with other French verbs. Below are the conjugations for…
Many irregular French verbs are used in compound form to make new verbs with new meanings. The compound versions follow the same conjugation method as the original verb. Homologues are verbs that resemble the original verb in spelling and are conjugated in the same basic way. venir to come s’abstenir to abstain advenir to happen…
The French phrase “il y a” means “there is” or “there are.” It covers both singular and plural. “il y a” versus “c’est” “Il y a” is often used for situations where you can’t see the thing being talked about. Eg “there is a bike in the garden” (when you’re not in the garden), or…
The word “cloche” means “bell,” but in French slang, it means “head” or sometimes “idiot.” In the middle of the 19th century, this saying meant to get drunk. But by 1900, it had changed to its present meaning, which is to have a good meal, to banquet, to gorge oneself, to thoroughly enjoy (food &…
The French adjectives “nouveau” and “neuf” both mean “new.” So how do you decide which one to use? Nouveau Meaning: Usage: “Nouveau” is used before the noun and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies: Examples: Neuf Meaning: Usage: “Neuf” is also used before the noun and must agree in gender and…