The French phrase faire des ravages is a common expression that translates literally to “to make ravages” or “to cause destruction.” The verb faire means “to make” or “to do,” while ravages is the plural noun meaning “damage,” “destruction,” or “havoc.”

Literal meaning

In its literal sense, faire des ravages describes actual destruction or damage caused by something. It refers to physical harm or ruin, often widespread.

La tempête a fait des ravages sur la côte. “The storm caused destruction on the coast.”

L’incendie a fait des ravages dans la forêt. “The fire caused havoc in the forest.”

Les rats ont fait des ravages dans les récoltes. “The rats caused damage to the crops.”

Figurative meaning

The phrase is used much more often in a figurative sense. It means to have a powerful, striking effect or impact on people, typically describing someone who attracts attention or admiration. It can also mean to cause significant problems or upheaval in a social, political, or emotional context.

When used about a person’s appearance or charm, faire des ravages suggests they turn heads and attract interest wherever they go. It is not necessarily negative, though it can imply some degree of disruption or disturbance.

Cette actrice fait des ravages partout où elle va. “This actress turns heads everywhere she goes.”

Il a fait des ravages au cœur de Marie. “He had a powerful effect on Marie’s heart.”

Le virus fait des ravages dans la région. “The virus is wreaking havoc in the region.”

Ses idées novatrices ont fait des ravages dans l’industrie. “His innovative ideas have shaken up the industry.”

Cette nouvelle série fait des ravages sur les réseaux sociaux. “This new series is taking social media by storm.”

Variations in context

The impact described by faire des ravages can be positive or negative depending on context. When used about an attractive person, the connotation is often playful or admiring. When used about disease, conflict, or negative change, it carries a critical or worried tone. When used about a new product, idea, or entertainment, it typically means something is hugely successful or popular.

Le nouveau restaurant fait des ravages auprès des jeunes. “The new restaurant is a huge hit with young people.”

Cette maladie fait des ravages parmi les populations. “This disease is devastating populations.”

Son talent musical a fait des ravages lors de la compétition. “His musical talent made a big impression at the competition.”

La hausse des prix fait des ravages dans les portefeuilles des ménages. “Rising prices are wreaking havoc on household budgets.”

Ce scandale a fait des ravages pour sa réputation. “This scandal caused serious damage to his reputation.”

Synonyms and related expressions

Several French expressions convey similar meanings:

• Faire sensation – to create a sensation or make a big impression
• Faire fureur – to be all the rage or hugely popular
• Faire beaucoup de dégâts – to cause a lot of damage
• Ravager – to devastate or wreak havoc (using the related verb form)
• Faire la conquête de – to win over or conquer (in a romantic sense)
• Causer du tort – to cause harm or damage

The choice between these expressions depends on context. Faire fureur emphasizes popularity and trendiness, while faire des ravages emphasizes the scale of impact and effect on those affected.

Summary

Faire des ravages works as both a literal and figurative phrase. Literally, it describes physical destruction. Figuratively, it means to have a strong, often striking impact on people or situations. The phrase can describe an attractive person who turns heads, a popular trend or product, or serious problems and upheaval. The tone shifts based on context, from admiring to critical depending on what kind of impact is being described.