Learning French: the origins and meaning of se faire mener en bateau

While some people might quite enjoy being taken for a boat ride, this French saying actually has darker undertones.

Se faire mener en bateau, is a colloquial way to describe being tricked or deceived.

We look at the confusing origins behind this phrase and explain exactly how to use it just like a French native.

What does se faire mener en bateau mean?

This French saying is the equivalent of the British expression: to be taken for a ride. 

It refers to the idea of being scammed by an elaborate lie.

Synonyms include:

• Se faire mener en barque - To be led up the garden path

• Se faire rouler dans la farine - To have the wool pulled over your eyes

• Se faire mener par le bout du nez - To be taken for a ride 

What are the origins of se faire mener en bateau?

Some theories suggest this expression is the result of a mix-up between the words bateleur (a jester) and un batelier (a boatman), therefore linking ideas of mockery and trickery to the act of sailing. 

Mener also reinforces the image of being led by someone or enticed in a certain direction.

You can almost imagine the metaphorical boat as a symbol for a lie, carrying its passenger away from the ‘reality’ of dry land and further into deep ‘deceptive’ waters.

Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say être dans de beaux draps?

When do you say se faire mener en bateau?

You might say this when you feel as though you have been scammed or lied to:

• Le vendeur m'a dit que ce vin était de très bonne qualité, mais après l'avoir bu, j'ai l'impression qu'il m'a mené en bateau. - The salesperson told me this wine was top quality but upon drinking, I think I got scammed.

It can also be used to warn others about the risk of being taken advantage of:

• Veillez à ne pas vous faire mener en bateau par le garage automobile. - Take care not to have the wool pulled over your eyes at the garage. 

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of sur le plancher des vaches 

To whom do you say se faire mener en bateau?

It is colloquial language to be used with friends, family, strangers or colleagues.

It can be used in a range of formal and informal contexts and is mainly reserved for spoken French or idiomatic newspaper headlines. 

More neutral alternatives include:

• Se faire tromper - To be deceived 

• Se faire duper - To be tricked

• Se faire manipuler - To be manipulated

• Se faire arnaquer - To be scammed

• Se faire piéger - To fall into a trap

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of être au taquet