tourner autour du pot

ByFast French

“Tourner autour du pot” is a French idiom that literally means “to turn around the pot.” In plain English, it means to hesitate, to avoid the main topic, to seek advantage in a roundabout way, or to procrastinate.

This saying dates from the 15th century, when it originally meant someone who seeks to gain undue advantage. Then, from the 19th century, it also started to mean someone who doesn’t express himself directly.

Similar English expressions include “to beat around the bush,” “to pussyfoot around,” or “to not cut to the chase.”

Don’t miss out on new posts – subscribe now!

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • jurer

    ByFast French

    The French word “jurer” is a commonly used verb. It means “to swear,” “to swear to,” “to swear that,” “to promise,” “to affirm,” and, “to use swear words.” 1. To Swear (an Oath): One of the primary meanings of “jurer” revolves around the act of swearing an oath, committing oneself solemnly to a promise or…

  • verb: se plaindre

    ByFast French

    “Se plaindre” means “to complain,” “to whinge” or “to moan.” Conjugations in Present Tense and Passé Composé: Present tense: Passé composé tense: Etymology: The origin of “se plaindre” can be traced back to Latin, where the root “plangere” meant “to lament” or “to beat one’s chest.” Idiomatic Expressions and Usage:

  • |

    -al words

    ByFast French

    French words that end in the letters “al” can be a trap for learners. That’s because in the plural, they change their spelling to “aux.” The classic example is “un cheval,” which in the plural becomes “des chevaux.” But this applies to every single noun and adjective ending in the letters “al.” Nouns are relatively…

  • fou, folle

    ByFast French

    The French adjective “fou” (masculine) and “folle” (feminine) mean “crazy” or “mad.” Meanings: Etymology: The etymology of “fou, folle” can be traced back to Latin. The word “follis” in Latin originally meant “bellows” or “windbag,” and over time, its meaning evolved to include “empty-headed” or “silly.” In Old French, around the year 1100 AD, “fol”…

  • verb: craindre

    ByFast French

    Meanings of “Craindre”: The French verb “craindre” primarily translates to “to fear” or “to be afraid.” However, its meanings extend beyond mere fear, encompassing a spectrum of related emotions: Conjugation in Present and Passé Composé: “Craindre” belongs to the third group of French verbs, which are often irregular in their conjugations. Here is how “craindre”…