Learning French: the origins and meaning of les doigts dans le nez
This widely used phrase was first heard at a hippodrome
You might also hear, les deux doigts dans le nez
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The French language can be so poetic.
If you have ever heard someone utter the phrase, les doigts dans le nez, you might assume this person is admitting to picking their nose. This is not the case.
This popular expression is used between family and friends to describe something very simple.
We take a look at the horse racing origins of this phrase and how to use it in everyday French.
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What does les doigts dans le nez mean?
This amusing French expression literally translates as: the fingers in the nose.
In English, you might say, to do something with your eyes closed, or with one hand tied behind your back.
It is used to indicate that an action is really easy and is the equivalent of ‘easy-peasy’.
Synonyms in French include:
Sans effort - Effortless
Très facilement - Very easily
Les yeux fermés - To do something with your eyes closed
Un jeu d’enfant - Child’s play
Read also: Exploring the impact of anglicisms on the French language: a confusing linguistic blend
What are the origins of les doigts dans le nez?
The first use of this expression was recorded in the 1910s at a horse racing event.
The commentator reportedly said, les doigts dans le nez, in admiration of the jockey who had won the race with great ease, as if he did not need to hold his horse’s reins.
Today, this widely used expression appears in many different contexts.
When do you say les doigts dans le nez?
This informal phrase can be used to describe a task you find easy or one which does not require your full attention:
Je peux garer la voiture les doigts dans le nez. - I can park the car with my eyes closed.
J'ai fini mes devoirs les doigts dans le nez. - I finished my homework, it was a piece of cake.
You can use this phrase when you want to congratulate someone for completing a task or reaching an achievement, effortlessly.
A variation of this expression is: les deux doigts dans le nez (the two fingers in the nose).
To whom do you say les doigts dans le nez?
As you might expect, this expression is informal and should only be used with family and friends.
It can be particularly popular with young children who find the nose picking image amusing.
