Learning French: when and why do we say mettre la main à la pâte?
This French phrase has little to do with pâte or dough and is useful when you need to ‘get stuck into' a task
A baker must 'get their hands dirty' and knead the dough in order to make bread
Africa Studio / Shutterstock
This expression dates back several centuries, and refers to one of France’s most beloved professionals: the baker.
If bakers refused to get their hands in the bread dough to knead it again and again, there would not be any bread to eat… just imagine the consequences.
We look at the precise meaning behind this bread-themed phrase and explain how to use it in casual French conversation.
Read more: Baguette, petits pains: Seven French expressions to do with bread
What does mettre la main à la pâte mean?
It literally translates as: to put your hands in the dough.
Mettre la main à la pâte means to offer help, participate in, or get involved with work that has to be done. It often relates to a difficult or tedious task.
In English we might say ‘to get down to business,’ ‘to muck in’ or ‘get your hands dirty’.
Synonyms include:
S'attaquer à - To jump in
S'y mettre - To get to work
Se retrousser les manches - To roll up your sleeves
Donner un coup de main - To pitch in
Etre au taquet - To work flat out
Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of être au taquet
Over the years, the expression has also taken on the meaning of showing support, or lending a helping hand to someone with a heavy workload.
What are the origins of mettre la main à la pâte?
Some sources indicate that the expression mettre la main à… was used in the 13th Century, meaning: to act or intervene.
The allusion to dough was gradually added to the end of the phrase due to the labour-intensive, repetitive nature of baking.
This image creates a strong metaphor to illustrate the act of working hard to support yourself or someone else in completing a challenging task.
Read also: RECIPES: bake a French baguette or sweet potato bread like a master
When do you say mettre la main à la pâte?
Say this to motivate someone to help with a difficult task:
It can also be used to praise someone’s effort:
Je sais que ce sport est nouveau pour toi, mais tu n'as pas hésité à mettre la main à la pâte et tu as aidé l'équipe à réussir. Bravo ! - I know that this sport is new to you, but you really were not afraid to get your hands dirty and you helped the team to succeed. Well done!
Read also: Hungry, peckish, stuffed: 15 French phrases to do with food and eating
To whom do you say mettre la main à la pâte?
It is colloquial language that can be used with friends and family when offering help or getting stuck into a particular job or activity.
You could also say this in more formal situations without any risk of causing offence.
You will mainly use it in spoken French.
Read more: Learn from the French: how to order the perfect baguette
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
