Learning French: when and why do we say se jeter dans la gueule du loup ?
This wolf-based phrase could warn someone against making a dangerous decision
Wolves have been depicted as dangerous beasts in fables and throughout history
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From Little Red Riding Hood to loups-garous (werewolves) howling at the moon - Halloween is just a few days away and we have a spooky wolf-themed expression for the occasion.
Se jeter dans la gueule du loup is similar to the English expression, to throw yourself into the lions’ den. Whether dealing with wolves or lions, both situations indicate being exposed to danger.
We will look at how to use this phrase like a French native and learn other surprising meanings for une gueule-de-loup (a wolf’s mouth).
What does se jeter dans la gueule du loup mean?
This popular expression literally translates as: to jump into the mouth of the wolf.
A similar expression in English is: to throw yourself into the lions’ den or to put yourself in harm’s way.
You can say this about someone who ends up in a sticky situation as a result of self-sabotage, or through exposing themself to danger without assessing the risks.
Related expressions include:
Read also: French farming unions call for more protests amid declining incomes
What are the origins of se jeter dans la gueule du loup ?
Wolves (loups), often depicted with sharp fangs in their mouth (gueule), have been considered dangerous beasts throughout history. This expression dates back to the 15th Century, referring to someone who voluntarily exposes themself to danger.
Read also: First wolf sighting in Gironde, France in 100 years: vigilance urged
Feelings of fear have been exaggerated by fables which portray wolves as villains and predators - from werewolves to the boy who cried wolf, or the big bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood (le petit chaperon rouge).
Werewolves have become a popular disguise for Halloween in recent years and even feature in a highly popular French card game known as: Le loup-garou (officially, Les loups-garous de Thiercelieux). The game plays out like a murder mystery and sees townsfolk battling against nighttime werewolf attacks.
A Netflix series inspired by this game (Loups-Garous; Family Pack) was released on 23 October, featuring French actors Franck Dubosc and Jean Reno.
When do you say se jeter dans la gueule du loup ?
This phrase can be used to describe someone who puts themself at risk:
It can also warn against dangerous situations:
*Grammar note: this phrase is often used with le gérondif (en + verb-ant), because it relates simultaneous actions or conditions. In this case, by performing one action you risk a dangerous consequence.
Read also: Avoir la gueule enfarinée and more French ‘gobby’ phrases you may hear
To whom do you say se jeter dans la gueule du loup ?
It is considered neutral language which can be used with friends and family or colleagues and strangers.
You might also come across other meanings for une gueule-de-loup:
In the botanical world: a snapdragon flower
In the plumbing world: a saddle joint
In the medical world: a cleft lip
