Essential French Idioms: Colorful Everyday Expressions

What are French Idioms?

French idioms (expressions idiomatiques) are phrases whose meaning can't be understood from the individual words alone. These expressions add color and authenticity to your French conversations.

Weather & Nature Idioms

1. "Il pleut des cordes" (It's raining ropes)

• English meaning: It's raining cats and dogs
• Used when describing heavy rainfall

2. "Avoir un coup de foudre" (To have a lightning strike)

• English meaning: Love at first sight
• Used to describe instant attraction or love

Animal-Related Idioms

1. "Avoir d'autres chats à fouetter" (To have other cats to whip)

• English meaning: To have other fish to fry
• Used when you're too busy for something

2. "Quand les poules auront des dents" (When hens have teeth)

• English meaning: When pigs fly
• Used to say something will never happen

Food-Related Idioms

1. "Avoir la pêche" (To have the peach)

• English meaning: To feel energetic/great
• Used to express feeling full of energy

2. "Raconter des salades" (To tell salads)

• English meaning: To tell tall tales
• Used when someone is making up stories

Daily Life Idioms

1. "Avoir le cafard" (To have the cockroach)

• English meaning: To feel down/depressed
• Used to express feeling sad or blue

2. "Être dans les choux" (To be in the cabbages)

• English meaning: To be in trouble/lost
• Used when someone is in a difficult situation

How to Use These Idioms

Casual Conversations

1. "J'ai la pêche aujourd'hui!"

• Context: Starting your day with energy
• Natural response: "Ça se voit!" (It shows!)

2. "Il pleut des cordes dehors!"

• Context: Warning someone about the weather
• Natural response: "Prends ton parapluie!" (Take your umbrella!)

Social Situations

1. "Elle raconte toujours des salades."

• Context: Talking about someone who exaggerates
• Natural response: "Je sais, il ne faut pas la croire." (I know, don't believe her.)

2. "J'ai eu un coup de foudre."

• Context: Describing meeting someone special
• Natural response: "Raconte-moi!" (Tell me about it!)

Cultural Context

French people use these expressions frequently and naturally in everyday speech. Using them correctly shows cultural understanding and helps you sound more natural.

Usage Tips

• Start with 2-3 idioms and use them until they feel natural
• Pay attention to context and formality level
• Listen for these expressions in French movies and shows
• Practice with French speakers to ensure proper usage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't translate literally from English idioms
2. Be careful with context - some idioms are very casual
3. Don't overuse them in formal situations
4. Make sure to use the exact words - idioms are fixed expressions