Learning French: when and why do we say pédaler dans la semoule?
A handy phrase to use when you are struggling to find your words
You could also say: pédaler dans la choucroute (pedal in the Sauerkraut)
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This fun French phrase is particularly useful for language learners.
We have all been there: chatting away when suddenly your mind goes blank and you find yourself racking your brain (in vain) for a forgotten word… Pardon, je pédale dans la semoule !
We will look at why the French speak about cycling in their food and how the origins of this phrase are connected to the Tour de France.
What does pédaler dans la semoule mean?
This amusing expression translates literally as: to pedal in the semolina (tiny coarse grains of wheat that can be made into couscous).
The metaphor refers to a futile action or one lacking progress. While pedalling would suggest movement, doing so in semolina would slow you down or become impossible.
Read also: Avoir un petit vélo dans la tête and other cycling terms your may hear
Similar phrases include:
Tourner en rond - To go round in circles
Pédaler à vide - To go nowhere fast
Perdre ses mots - To lose your words
Perdre le fil de ses pensées - To lose your train of thought
What are the origins of pédaler dans la semoule?
It is no surprise that this phrase is thought to stem from the world of cycling. Some argue it is an extension of the ‘hitting the wall’ concept, which refers to the extreme fatigue experienced by athletes and often leads to withdrawal from competitions.
A variation of this expression, which has the same meaning, is: pédaler dans la choucroute.
Choucroute (sauerkraut), is a fermented cabbage-based dish often eaten in Alsace and in Germany.
Read more: What has been voted France’s favourite regional dish?
One theory surrounding the birth of this phrase comes from the early years of the Tour de France, when broom wagons (vehicles following the peloton to ‘sweep up’ cyclists who are unable to make it to the finish line) were reportedly covered in sauerkraut adverts.
Even more variations have developed since then:
Pédaler dans le couscous – To pedal in the couscous
Pédaler dans la cancoillotte – To pedal in a type of runny cheese
Pédaler dans la purée – To pedal in the mashed potatoes
Pédaler dans le yaourt – To pedal in the yogurt
When do you say pédaler dans la semoule?
You might say this phrase to describe putting in effort without making progress:
It can also be used when you have a mind blank and cannot continue with your task or train of thought:
Read more: Nine common filler words to help you better understand French
To whom do you say pédaler dans la semoule?
This is a casual expression which can be slipped into conversation with friends and family.
It is inoffensive, so could also be used in more formal situations if deemed appropriate.
If you are hungry for more cuisine-related expressions, take a look at: 10 French idioms based on food or cooking
