Master 10 Must-Know French Expressions with This Fun Quiz!
In this blog post, we will explore 10 must-know French expressions through a fun quiz format. Each expression will be presented with three possible meanings, and you will have to choose the correct one. After that, I’ll explain the meaning and give you an example sentence in both French and English. Let’s get started!
French Expression 1: “Avoir le bras long”
Possible meanings:
– A) Avoir une grande influence (To have great influence)
– B) Être très fort physiquement (To be very strong physically)
– C) Attraper facilement des objets (To easily grab objects)
Answer: A) Avoir une grande influence (To have great influence)
Explanation: The expression “avoir le bras long” is used to describe someone with influence or connections in various areas.
Example in French:
“Il a le bras long, il a pu avoir des places de concert pour tout le monde.”
Example in English:
“He has great influence; he managed to get concert tickets for everyone.”
French Expression 2: “Faire la grasse matinée”
Possible meanings:
– A) Manger un petit-déjeuner copieux (To have a hearty breakfast)
– B) Faire du sport le matin (To exercise in the morning)
– C) Dormir tard le matin (To sleep in late in the morning)
Answer: C) Dormir tard le matin (To sleep in late in the morning)
Explanation: This expression is used to describe sleeping in and enjoying a slow start to the day, typically on weekends.
Example in French:
“Le dimanche, je profite pour faire la grasse matinée et me reposer.”
Example in English:
“On Sundays, I take advantage of sleeping in and resting.”
French Expression 3: “Tomber dans les pommes”
Possible meanings:
– A) Se sentir mal et perdre connaissance (To feel sick and faint)
– B) Tomber amoureux (To fall in love)
– C) Renverser un panier de pommes (To knock over a basket of apples)
Answer: A) Se sentir mal et perdre connaissance (To feel sick and faint)
Explanation: This common expression means to faint or lose consciousness.
Example in French:
“Quand il a vu le sang, il est tombé dans les pommes.”
Example in English:
“When he saw the blood, he fainted.”
French Expression 4: “Prendre son pied”
Possible meanings:
– A) Se faire plaisir (To have fun or enjoy oneself)
– B) Faire du sport (To play sports)
– C) Prendre une pause (To take a break)
Answer: A) Se faire plaisir (To have fun or enjoy oneself)
Explanation: “Prendre son pied” is an idiomatic way to say that you’re having a great time or experiencing pleasure.
Example in French:
“Hier soir au concert, j’ai vraiment pris mon pied.”
Example in English:
“Last night at the concert, I really had a blast.”
French Expression 5: “Casser les pieds à quelqu’un”
Possible meanings:
– A) Masser les pieds de quelqu’un (To massage someone’s feet)
– B) Faire mal physiquement à quelqu’un (To physically hurt someone)
– C) Embêter ou importuner quelqu’un (To bother or annoy someone)
Answer: C) Embêter ou importuner quelqu’un (To bother or annoy someone)
Explanation: “Casser les pieds à quelqu’un” means to annoy someone to the point of frustration.
Example in French:
“Arrête de me casser les pieds avec tes questions incessantes.”
Example in English:
“Stop bothering me with your endless questions.”
French Expression 6: “Avoir le cafard”
Possible meanings:
– A) Avoir peur des insectes (To be afraid of insects)
– B) Être triste ou déprimé (To be sad or depressed)
– C) Avoir faim (To be hungry)
Answer: B) Être triste ou déprimé (To be sad or depressed)
Explanation: This expression is used to describe feeling down or melancholic.
Example in French:
“Depuis qu’il a perdu son emploi, il a le cafard.”
Example in English:
“Since he lost his job, he’s been feeling down.”
Frenh Expression 9: “Passer l’arme à gauche”
Possible meanings:
– A) Mourir (To die)
– B) Donner une arme à quelqu’un (To give someone a weapon)
– C) Abandonner une activité (To give up an activity)
Answer: A) Mourir (To die)
**Explanation**: This expression is a more poetic way of saying that someone has passed away.
Example in French:
“Mon grand-père a passé l’arme à gauche à l’âge de 92 ans.”
Example in English:
“My grandfather passed away at the age of 92.”
French Expression 10: “Casser du sucre sur le dos de quelqu’un”
Possible meanings:
– A) Partager du sucre avec quelqu’un (To share sugar with someone)
– B) Soutenir quelqu’un avec joie (To support someone with joy)
– C) Critiquer quelqu’un en son absence (To criticize someone behind their back)
Answer: C) Critiquer quelqu’un en son absence (To criticize someone behind their back)
Explanation: “Casser du sucre sur le dos de quelqu’un” means to gossip or speak poorly about someone when they’re not around.
Example in French:
“Arrête de lui casser du sucre sur le dos et dis-lui ce que tu penses.”
Example in English:
“Stop talking behind his back and just tell him what you think.”
Last word about these 10 French expressions
These 10 French expressions are essential for anyone learning French, helping you sound more natural in conversation. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to France or just want to improve your language skills, mastering these idiomatic phrases will enrich your vocabulary. Don’t forget to watch the video before trying the quiz and refer back to this post for the answers!
