Une bête de somme means a workhorse or a beast of burden. Back in the 12th century, “une somme” meant the load that a horse or a mule could carry. Then, in the 16th century, the term “bête de somme” arrived. These days, the more common word for burden is “un fardeau,” but the term “bête de somme” survives in its original form.
In French, adjectives can be positioned either before or after the noun they describe. Each placement has a different meaning. While most adjectives come after the noun, certain adjectives are usually placed before it. Adjectives Placed Before the Noun French has several categories of adjectives that are commonly placed before the noun. These include: 1….
“Attendre sous l’orme” is a French expression that means to wait a very long time in vain. Literally it means “to wait under the elm (tree).” Before the advent of Dutch elm tree disease, elms were numerous in France. They were especially found in village squares which were the centre of social life. In these…
This expression means “in single file” or “each one behind the other.” It is a shortened form of “à la queue du leu le leu.” The word “leu” is the old word for “wolf” in French. So the longer form meant “at the tail of the wolf, the wolf” meaning that the wolves would travel…
Almost everyone knows that the French word “merci” means “thank you.” But how do you express the idea of mercy or compassion in French, rather than thanking someone? “Merci” is a feminine noun. “La merci” means “the mercy.” It refers to mercy in the sense of power, not in the sense of compassion. “Pitié” is…
This expression means “for your information,” “for information,” “in order to teach you how to conduct yourself in a situation,” “to inform you,” or “for information.” The word “gouverne” is related to governing and government. It dates back to the 12th century, but in the 18th century took the meaning of “serving as a rule…
“Du tac au tac” is a French expression meaning immediately, with vivacity, like lightning, scathingly, or with a quick response. It has nothing to do with Tic Tacs or Tiktok. It comes from the world of fencing. In fencing, to retaliate “du tac au tac” means to reply immediately to an assault. The word “tac” refers…