13. Idiomatic Expressions

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Chapter 13: Idioms

Idiomatic expressions, or "idioms", are phrases or expressions that cannot be translated literally from French into another language. They are an essential part of the language and can be found in all aspects of everyday life. In this chapter, we will explore some of the most common and useful idioms in French.

1. "C'est la vie"

Literally translated as "It's life", this expression is used to express resignation or acceptance of something that cannot be changed. It's similar to the use of "that's how things are" in Portuguese. For example, if someone missed the bus, they could say: "J'ai raté le bus, mais c'est la vie" (I missed the bus, but that's life).

2. "Il pleut des cordes"

This expression is used to indicate that it is raining a lot. The literal translation would be "It's raining strings", which may seem strange, but it is similar to the English expression "it's raining cats and dogs". For example, "Je ne peux pas sortir, il pleut des cordes" (I can't go out, it's raining a lot).

3. "Avoir un coup de foudre"

Literally, it means "to have a stroke of lightning", but it is used to express love at first sight. For example, "Quand j'ai vu Marie, j'ai eu un coup de foudre" (When I saw Marie, it was love at first sight).

4. "Mettre son grain de sel"

This expression literally means "putting your grain of salt", but is used to indicate that someone is giving their opinion or interfering in something that does not concern them. For example, "Il faut toujours qu'il mette son grain de sel" (He always has to give his opinion).

5. "Etre dans la lune"

Literally translated as "being on the moon", this expression is used to indicate that someone is distracted or daydreaming. For example, "Arrête d'être dans la lune et concentra-toi!" (Stop daydreaming and focus!).

6. "Casser les pieds"

This expression literally means "to break one's feet", but is used to indicate that someone is being irritating or annoying. For example, "Arrête de me casser les pieds avec tes questions!" (Stop annoying me with your questions!).

7. "Coûter les yeux de la tête"

Literally, this expression means "to cost one's head", and is used to indicate that something is very expensive. For example, "Cette robe coûte les yeux de la tête" (This dress costs a lot of money).

8. "Donner sa langue au chat"

This expression literally means "giving your tongue to the cat", and is used when someone gives up on guessing the answer to a question or riddle. For example, "Je ne sais pas, je donne ma langue au chat" (I don't know, I give up).

9. "Faire la grasse matinée"

Literally, this expression means "to make the morning fat", but it is used to indicate that someone has slept in or slept in. For example, "Le dimanche, j'aime faire la grasse matinée" (On Sunday, I like to sleep late).

10. "Avoir le cafard"

This expression literally means "to have the cockroach", but is used to indicate that someone is feeling depressed or sad. For example, "Depuis qu'elle a perdu son emploi, elle a le cafard" (Since she lost her job, she has been depressed).

Idiomatic expressions are an integral part of learning any language and can help bring your conversations to life. We hope these French idioms help you feel more confident when conversing in French!

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