This French expression means “to go window shopping.” However it translates literally as “to do some lick-window.” This phrase comes from the idea that the window shopper is standing so close to the window and gazing in with such pleasure that it looks like she is licking the window. The idiom first appeared in the 20th century, following the more widespread availability of plate glass.
The French phrase “être censé” means “to be supposed.” It is usually followed by a verb in the infinitive. There is no need to use the word “de” or “à” between “être” and “censé.” The “être” part is usually conjugated in either the present or the imperfect tense. Note also that “censé” must agree in…
“C’est l’horloge du palais” is a French expression used to describe a clock that doesn’t tell the right time. Although it translates as “It’s the palace clock,” there is no equivalent English saying. King Charles V of France (1338-1380) had a clock installed in his palace in Paris by the clockmaker Henri de Vic of…
“Décrocher le cocotier” means literally “to unhook the coconut tree” or “to take down the coconut tree.” In English, it means “to achieve one’s goals, to win a prize, or to triumph.” An equivalent English expression would be “to hit the jackpot.” The saying dates from the 19th century. It refers to greasy pole competitions in…
“Blanchir de l’argent” is a French expression meaning “to launder money.” Literally it means to whiten or to whitewash money, but in English you would say to launder. Just like the English expression, “blanchir de l’argent” means to give illegally gained money a valid, legal existence by hiding its criminal origins. This is done in…
“Coeur d’artichaut” is a French saying that translates literally as “heart of artichoke” or “artichoke heart.” What it really means is someone who falls in love easily, or it can also mean someone who is fickle in love. An artichoke is a vegetable with tough leaves on the outside and a much softer centre. Comparing…
“Finir en queue de poisson” means to end brutally, or to terminate in a disappointing manner, or not to obtain the expected results. It literally means “to end in a fish tail.” Equivalent English expressions would be “to fizzle out” or “to tail off.” The saying dates back to the 1st century BC, to the…