Learning French: what does tiré par les cheveux mean and when should it be used?

If you find yourself chatting to someone who cannot stop exaggerating, you might feel like pulling your hair out in frustration. 

Pulled by the hair is the literal translation of tiré par les cheveux, which is actually a useful French phrase used to describe something far-fetched, unbelievable or bizarre. 

We will look at how to use this phrase in everyday French and learn the meaning of the word capillotracté.

What does tiré par les cheveux mean?

The literal translation, pulled by the hair, evokes images of knotted locks or of young children being bullied and teased. 

However, more appropriate English translations of this phrase include: far-fetched and over the top. 

French synonyms include:

• Capillotracté - Pulled by the hair, literally from the Latin capillus (hair) and tractatus (to pull)

• Exagéré - Exaggerated

• Étonnant - Surprising

Read also: Understanding 'dis donc': the versatile French expression

What are the origins of tiré par les cheveux?

The true origins of this phrase are hard to pin down. It is thought to have first been used in the 16th or 17th Century, being defined as: to force.

It could be argued that today’s use of the phrase, meaning far-fetched, stems from the idea of contorting or forcing a story into something exaggerated and unbelievable.

When do you say tiré par les cheveux?

This fixed expression is mainly used to describe things or situations. Describing a person as tiré par les cheveux would imply the literal meaning, being dragged by the hair, and you would likely be met by concerned reactions.

You might use this phrase when in the company of someone who likes to exaggerate or say illogical things:

• Je ne te crois pas, tu racontes toujours des histoires tirées par les cheveux. - I don’t believe you, you always tell far-fetched stories.

In a slightly different sense, you can say this to describe something weird or complicated:

• J'ai regardé un film sur des aliens qui atterrissent à Paris. C'était un peu tiré par les cheveux. - I watched a film about aliens landing in Paris. It was a bit bizarre. 

You could also negate the phrase to imply the opposite meaning:

• Il n'est pas nécessaire d'imaginer une explication tirée par les cheveux pour comprendre la métaphore. - You don’t have to think up a far-fetched explanation to understand this metaphor. 

Read more: Understanding the French slang word 'dingue': origins and usage

To whom do you say tiré par les cheveux?

It is neutral, colloquial language which can be used with friends and family.

You can also use it in professional or formal contexts if deemed appropriate, but be careful not to mix up the literal and figurative meanings of this phrase.

Read also: Understanding 'voir' in French: idiomatic expressions and practical uses