“Faire d’une pierre deux coups” is a French idiom that literally translates as “to make two strikes with one stone.” It means to reach several objectives with a single action, or to achieve two things at the same time with a single action.
The English equivalent of this French saying is “to kill two birds with one stone.”
The French expression is attributed to Montaigne in the 16th century, but may well date back earlier.
The French verb “rester” means “to stay” or “to remain” in English. But “rester” can be used with indirect object pronouns to mean “to have left.” This is an impersonal construction. In an impersonal construction, the “il” in “il me reste” means “it,” rather than “he.” The literal translation of “il me reste” is “it…
“Vogue la galère” means “what will be, will be,” “come what may,” or “whatever happens, happens.” Literally the expression means something like “let the galley sail.” But the word “voguer” (to sail) originally meant to be pushed over the water by strength of oars. Galleys were ships powered by oarsmen and were used from antiquity…
The French phrase “il faut que” means “it’s necessary that.” It is used to express obligation and necessity. Unlike the phrase “il faut” (which is used without “que” and with a verb in the infinitive), “il faut que” specifies exactly who should do something. “Il faut que” is always accompanied by a second verb in…
“au nez et à la barbe de” is a French expression that literally means “under the nose and in front of the beard of.” But it means “in front of someone, with the intention of taunting them,” or “to the detriment of someone, although done in his presence.” Although it refers to a beard, it…
The French verb “arroser” means “to sprinkle,” “to water,” “to spray” or “to douse.” A reflexive version, “s’arroser,” also exists, usually referring to the consumption of alcohol. arroser examples s’arroser examples Etymology The verb “arroser” is derived from the Latin words “ad,” meaning “to,” and “ros,” meaning “dew” or “moisture.”
1. To Have To – Expressing Necessity and Obligation: The primary meaning of “devoir” is to express necessity and obligation, akin to “to have to” or “must” in English. It emphasizes the requirement to perform an action or fulfill a duty. Examples: Conjugations: 2. Ought To – Expressing Moral or Social Expectations: “Devoir” also conveys…