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 saying “laid comme un pou” translates literally as “(as) ugly as a louse.” It means “very ugly.” This idiom dates back to the end of the 18th century. Although there are plenty of other insects that are uglier than a louse, which is responsible for head lice infestations, the effects of this insect…
The verb “piger” is a colloquial term in French that means “to understand” or “to grasp.” It is often used in informal contexts, instead of the usual verb “comprendre,” meaning “to understand.” The verb “piger” is conjugated like a regular -er verb in French, with forms such as “je pige” (I understand), “tu piges” (you…
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
Etymology of “Se Moquer De” The verb “se moquer de” finds its roots in Old French, where the word “mocquer” meant “to mock” or “to make fun of.” Over time, this verb evolved, and the reflexive form “se moquer de” emerged. Usage of “Se Moquer De”
“Franchir le Rubicon” means to cross the Rubicon. It means to take a decisive and irreversible step, to take a decision and accept all its consequences, to make an irreversible choice, or to take an irrevocable decision. The Rubicon is a river that in 49 BC separated Gaul from the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar, the great…
The French adjective “chargé” has several meanings and can be used in various contexts. Amongst others, it can mean “loaded,” “busy,” “charged” and “heavy.” Here are some usage examples: Etymology of “charger”