French Idioms You'd Never Guess
Learn the everyday French idioms that make no sense word for word but that you'll hear from friends every day.
French friends and flatmates sprinkle their talk with images that don't translate: rabbits for missed dates, onions for private business, dormice for deep sleep. Most of these idioms are casual but not rude, so you can use them with friends, colleagues you say tu to, and in family settings. With strangers or in formal situations, stick to plain language.
- 1
C'est du gâteau.
It's a piece of cake.
- 2
Tu me fais marcher !
You're pulling my leg!
- 3
J'ai fait une grosse gaffe.
I really put my foot in it.
- 4
Je m'en fiche complètement.
I couldn't care less.
- 5
Ça coûte les yeux de la tête.
It costs an arm and a leg.
- 6
Arrête de mettre ton grain de sel.
Stop sticking your oar in.
- 7
Il pleut des cordes.
It's pouring down.
- 8
Je suis fauché.
I'm broke.
- 9
C'est de l'arnaque !
That's a total rip-off!
- 10
J'en ai marre.
I'm sick of it.
- 11
Arrête de tourner autour du pot.
Stop beating around the bush.
- 12
J'avais la gueule de bois.
I had a hangover.
- 13
Le courant est tout de suite passé.
We clicked straight away.
- 14
Il m'a posé un lapin.
He stood me up.
- 15
C'est pas trop mon truc.
It's not really my thing.
- 16
J'ai une faim de loup.
I'm absolutely starving.
- 17
Occupe-toi de tes oignons.
Mind your own business.
- 18
C'est à Pétaouchnok.
It's in the middle of nowhere.
- 19
C'est pas la mer à boire.
It's not the end of the world.
- 20
J'ai dormi comme un loir.
I slept like a log.